Sunday at the Red Bull Virtual Grand Prix of Spain saw Kömmerling Gresini Moto3’s Gabriel Rodrigo pick up his first World Championship victory – only this time it was Virtual.
Launching from the spearhead of the grid, the start couldn’t have gone much worse for the Honda rider as he slipped from first to almost last off the line. And the Argentine admitted that he’d been practising his starts, but it didn’t quite go to plan as the lights went out.
“I had been training a lot for starts, knowing full well that this was my weak point. But this Sunday, I don't know why, it didn't go as planned. It was a disaster,” said Rodrigo. “In any case, I did not give up. I came back, pushing Tony (Arbolino) a little and then Raul (Fernandez)” referring to the Turn 6 incident between the duo.
The race leader is down! ????@gabrirodrigo2 ruthless in his pursuit of the lead punches his way through @25raulfernandez! ????#VirtualSpanishGP ???????? pic.twitter.com/1IhRUpQw0O
— MotoGP™???????? (@MotoGP) May 3, 2020
It was the drama that ultimately handed Rodrigo the race lead and from then on it was an easy ride to the chequered flag for the number 2 rider. "I think I would have attacked him, but with a little more care," admitted the race winner.
Overall, Rodrigo declared himself "happy with the race" after a "really fun" experience in the first ever Moto3™ Virtual Race. "The most important thing is that we have had a good time and we hope that the people have had fun," commented Rodrigo, echoing the thoughts of everyone involved in the Virtual Grand Prix.
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