Viu takes debut win in FIM CEV Repsol at Le Mans

Aleix Viu (Marinelli Sniper Team) recorded his first victory in the Moto3™ Junior World Championship after an exciting race. The Spanish rider made his debut on the top step of the podium in the FIM CEV Repsol event at the Le Mans circuit, coinciding with the MotoGP™ World Championship at the HJC Helmets Grand Prix de France. Raúl Fernández (Ángel Nieto Team) and Ai Ogura (Asia Talent Team) shared the podium with the race winner.

After Friday's two qualifying sessions in which Viu took pole position and the next 12 riders were separated by less than a second, it was to be expected that the race would be close fought, as always. After the lights went out, category leader Raúl Fernández (Ángel Nieto Team) found himself at the head of the group, while in the chicane Celestino Vietti Ramus (Sky Junior Team VR46 Rider) and Barry Baltus (Reale Avintia Academy) crashed out.

Raúl Fernández's attempt to escape from the group was quickly neutralized, leaving a group of up to 8 riders fighting for victory. By the midpoint of the race Aleix Viu had taken the lead and then upped the pace, increasing his advantage lap by lap and leaving behind the fight for the two remaining positions on the podium.

The last round was a nailbiter, with Raúl Fernández overtaking Manuel Pagliani (Leopard Junior) in the chicane and blocking all the gaps to finally hang on to second position. Manuel Pagliani received a three-second penalty after crossing the finish line for repeatedly exceeding the track limits, which ultimately cost him third place in Ai Ogura's favour.

With these results, Raúl Fernández consolidates his position in the overall classification of the Moto3™ JWC with 78 points, followed by Manuel Pagliani on 58 points and Aleix Viu on 49. The next round of the FIM CEV Repsol will be at the Circuit de Barcelona-Cataluña on the 9th and 10th of June with all categories taking part.