Fynn Kratochwil uses Red Bull Rookies break for Moto4 race in Estoril

Fynn Kratochwil won the Moto4 Northern Cup last year with an impressive run of victories. His overall victory also secured him a direct place in the Red Bull Rookies Cup, where he has already achieved two podium finishes.

But the 15-year-old from Thuringia has no intention of resting on his laurels. That’s why he’s also competing in the Moto4 European Cup races this year. Most recently last weekend in Portugal. It was the second round of the junior series and Kratochwil describes the trip as a weekend of ups and downs, from which he was able to take away many important lessons.

A steep learning curve at Estoril

On Friday, they worked out a solid basic set-up, which allowed him to go straight through to Qualifying 2. “In the first race, I didn’t get off to the best start and quickly found myself in the second group,” he reported on Sunday. “There were lots of close battles and intense fights for position there. I held my own well and was right in the thick of the battle for 6th place. Unfortunately, I made a mistake on the final lap, which cost me a few places. In the end, I finished 10th. A result I wasn’t happy with.”

“For Race 2, I was able to improve my start significantly and was more involved in the action right from the start,” he continued. “My pace was also stronger than in the first race. By the middle of the race, I was around sixth place and leading the second group. We weren’t far off the leading group and I felt good on the bike. In the final laps, it got very close again. I’d already mapped out my strategy for the final stages and wanted to attack at the decisive moments. Unfortunately, I then had a highside that set me back considerably. Despite everything, I still managed to finish the race in 9th place.”

Happy is different

He wasn’t happy with the results at Estoril. In his opinion, there was clearly more to be had. “The results don’t reflect how hard we’ve worked, the progress we’ve made, or the potential we have as a team,” he concluded. “I also know that I still need to improve in a few areas myself to take the next step forward. Nevertheless, we’re taking away a lot of important insights. We now know exactly what we need to work on and will use the coming weeks intensively to come back stronger. Many thanks to my team, my family, my sponsors and all the supporters who accompany me on this journey. I’m already looking forward to the next race weekend and will give it my all to make better use of the next opportunities.”

With 13 points, Fynn Kratochwil has moved up to 12th place in the overall standings.