Firm but friendly inter-team rivalry with Cortese and Kent

At last weekend’s Iveco TT Assen the Moto3™ race provided fans with an absolute thriller, where one of the big highlights was Red Bull KTM Ajo duo Sandro Cortese and Danny Kent going fairing to fairing.

German Cortese crossed the finish line second, while Kent, who took the first podium position of his career, celebrated third place, only 11 thousandth of seconds from his teammate. The duo, known to be good friends, had prompted queries as to whether this on-track scrap could continue off it, however the duo have taken it both in their stride. Cortese, the main culprit, was quick to acknowledge and apologise his overzealous manoeuvre, while Kent was adamant that “that’s racing”.

Sandro Cortese

“It was so hard from the first lap. I tried everything and I could not pull away, but there were some hard overtaking points; maybe over the limit sometimes. No one could get a rhythm because [Luis] Salom just made so much confusion and overtook in places where you normally can’t overtake. It was a shame, as I felt like I can win today. I have to be happy again with second place. We have to win soon, but it would be wrong to be impatient.

“I didn’t want to overtake so aggressive in these fast corners. One time when I touched him [Kent], as I went from left to right, the front started jumping so I hit him. It was for sure not the way I wanted to overtake him, so I’m sorry for that.”

Danny Kent

“I’m so happy, it was a great race. I was really enjoying it, it was so close, and to be fair I was really lucky to stay on because me and Sandro came together at least two times on the fast left. To be fair I wasn’t very aggressive on him. I was out in front and he came up on the inside of me. But it’s all part of racing. We’re all out there to win.

“I’m so happy to get my first podium. Also, we go to the Sachsenring next week, which is my favourite track. I think this race gave us a big confidence boost, and no doubt we can run with the leaders, so hopefully this is the first podium of many this year. We have the new chassis as well now – the same chassis as Sandro. And also we got a new upgrade with the engine. I also found confidence in myself.”