Tom Lüthi (CarXpert Interwetten) closed the Championship gap down to only seven points in the Catalan GP, taking P3 and another podium as points leader Franco Morbidelli (EG 0,0 Marc VDS) crossed the line in P6. Although going into it with a plan the race didn't adhere to, the Swiss rider was expecting the heat to make it a tough race for man and tyre:
Tom Lüthi, P3: “It was a really tough race, we had to fight a lot today absolutely pushing to the limit. But it was exactly the race I expected before we started, I knew it would be tough – not only physically but also for the tyres. My plan was to start well and maybe try to go and break Alex’s rhythm – but I didn’t have the chance. Congrats to him, he did a really good job, and also Mattia - he had really good pace. But in the beginning I lost too many positions and had to fight back, hard on the throttle out the corners and maybe used a bit more tyre compared to Mattia and I couldn’t fight for second in the end. But good job, team and thanks a lot – I’m looking forward to the next one. It’s always a surprise with the weather in Assen, but our sport is outdoors so we have to take what comes! But I like the track, it’s a cool atmosphere up in Assen and I have good memories there so I’m looking forward to it.”