With the KTM’s continually dominating the field, did we really expect anything else?
The seventh round of the Intermediate class kicks off with Remy Gardner in Pole, followed by Raul Fernandez and Bo Bendsneyder.
Remy Gardner has a six point lead ahead of R. Fernandez and intends on keeping it that way as he takes the lead early on, building a small gap between himself and his teammate. Gardner isn’t known for getting away at the front, but with his new contract that makes him MotoGP bound, maybe it’s time he learns.
With the race having a slow start, as the riders are not clumped together, the action comes from Marco Bezzecchi and Augusto Fernandez. Bezzecchi took 3rd last time out and with 19 laps to go, he wants to push for another podium. He is currently third in the world championship, 26 points down from Gardner.
R. Fernandez is a surprise in the Moto2 paddock for how well he has adjusted on the bike. He was brought in last minute and was expected to do what rookies normally do: take the time to learn. There was no need to learn for Fernandez; he instantly clicked with the bike. Experience may be the only thing that truly separates R. Fernandez and Gardner.
16 Laps To Go
Gardner is still leading the race with R. Fernandez getting closer and closer to him. Aaron Canet, who was beginning to gain traction on the battle for 5th, crashes out at Turn 5. Marcos Ramirez joins him in crashing at Turn 1 on the next lap.
Lower down in the pack, Sam Lowes is finding his speed from 8th. It could be too late for him, though.
Gardner and R. Fernandez are creating a gap between themselves and Bendsneyder. As they get closer, though, the promise for a battle looms over them. If they get into a battle for the win, it will bring Bendsneyder and Xavi Vierge into the mix. It’s what they want, but what the KTM’s don’t.
Further down the field, Bezzecchi has maintained his 5th position as A. Fernandez sticks it in 6th. Lowes is still stick behind Ai Ogura in 8th.
With 11 laps to go, R. Fernandez overtakes Gardner. This can be a great thing for R. Fernandez, but it also gives Gardner a chance to study him. There is still plenty of time for him to claim the win, if he can stick with his teammate.
9 Laps To Go
The KTM’s are still in the lead, with R. Fernandez still in the lead. It’s almost as if Gardner is biding his time, trying to see how close he can get without overtaking. His lines on the track are much cleaner that his teammates, though R. Fernandez does seem to be suffering from some tire problems.
While Bendsneyder and Vierge battle each other for the last podium position, Bezzecchi was able to catch up. The Sky VR46 rider has been on the last three podiums and he isn’t going to give up the chance to be on another one again. That way, he maintains his 3rd in the championship instead of allowing them to gain too many points on him.
Once Bezzecchi catches up completely, he is able to overtake Bendsneyder to try and chase Vierge down.
With five laps to go, R. Fernandez is having serious tire issues. While Gardner might want to stay behind him as long as possible, if his teammate can’t match his pace then there isn’t a point. Slowing down will only bring the other riders into the mix. It only takes two laps for Gardner to overtake R. Fernandez. Ai Ogura, who’s crashed from a top five finish, pushed just a little too far.
There is a big crash between Fabio Di Giannantonio and Hector Garzo further down the track. Both riders ok.
Win
Gardner keeps the lead ahead of R. Fernandez to take the win while Vierge keeps third.
The overall quiet race ends with the knowledge that Gardner is a dominate figure in Moto2 racing.
KTM is continually dominating the field. Will their reign end in Germany, or will their championship lead extend further?
Tune in to find out.
