Intact team boss stunned: Jürgen Lingg after Gonzalez’s debacle at Motegi

Everything was set for a thrilling World Championship duel between championship leader Manuel Gonzalez and his closest rival, Izan Guevara. The situation ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix: Gonzalez, who had travelled to the Mobility Resort Motegi with a 35.5-point lead, was in third place on the front row. Next to him was Filip Salac, with pole-setter Guevara.

But the hoped-for battle for the World Championship crown never materialised. A few seconds before the start of the race, Manuel Gonzalez raised his hand. A marshal rushed over immediately; Gonzalez dismounted and, together, they swiftly pushed the number 18 Kalex off the starting grid.

Manuel Gonzalez (Nr. 18) muss die Startaufstellung verlassen

Foto: Gold and Goose

What had happened? Team boss Jürgen Lingg provided an explanation, despite his great disappointment: “Everything was fine during the reconnaissance lap, and there were no problems with the bike during the warm-up lap either. But when Manu pulled the clutch to engage first gear for the start, the motorbike cut out.”

However, there wasn’t a problem that completely prevented him from racing. The Intact team were able to get the engine on Gonzalez’s bike up to speed again straight away. Without any further issues, the Madrid-born rider was able to chase down the field. Despite the situation appearing hopeless, the rider gave it his all. With the fastest lap times of the race, he at least managed to re-establish contact with the field. Meanwhile, there was also hope for a helping hand from the weather gods, as dark clouds had rolled in shortly before the race. A race stoppage would have reshuffled the deck. But it remained dry. Gonzalez was not rewarded for his flawless comeback, finishing 22nd – whilst Izan Guevara was celebrated as the winner.

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Manuel Gonzalez (22.): Der WM-Leader fuhr aus der Boxengasse hinterher

Foto: Gold and Goose

Jürgen Lingg, with a touch of gallows humour: “The pace was certainly right. We did a good job and were competitive enough to be right up there at the front. It’s extremely frustrating. At first I couldn’t believe it, but we’ve been in this long enough to know that things like this can happen. It was very bitter for all of us. But the team has everything it needs to deal with it. We’re at the top of the World Championship – and in Indonesia, both riders will once again give their all for our project.”

After victory in the Moto3 session just an hour earlier, now came the huge disappointment. Yet the World Championship leader ahead of the Indonesian GP remains Manuel Gonzalez. Thanks in part to the rider in sixth place in the World Championship, Intact GP retains first place in the Moto2 team standings with a 77-point lead.