Mind the gap: the grid close in on points leader Mir

The gap comes down ahead of the summer break and Sachsenring

Joan Mir’s (Leopard Racing) Championship gap got cut in Assen to the smallest it’s been for some time – 30 points. That’s sure to breathe some new life into the rest of the field as they hone in on the opportunity, with one race left before the summer break.

Sachsenring is a different track for Moto3™ than many on the calendar, with a 700m straight – meaning there’s much less slipstreaming than at venues such as Mugello. But the layout lends itself to close racing, and that’s another Moto3™ speciality. Last year Mir didn’t finish in his rookie campaign, but neither did some key rivals – with the weather proving the toughest adversary, and it could do again.

Rain or shine could tip the scales at the Sachsenring, with Assen winner Aron Canet (Estrella Galicia 0,0) poised in second in the standings and only just ahead of Romano Fenati (Marinelli Rivacold Snipers) – then there’s Jorge Martin (Del Conca Gresini Moto3) in fourth and P19 to podium finisher John McPhee (British Talent Team) not far off in fifth, making a strong group of competitors all gunning for Mir.

The home heroes will also use their local knowledge to their advantage. Philipp Oettl (Südmetall Schedl GP Racing) has been on a Moto3™ podium before and showed great pace this year as he gets ready for his home race, and wildcard Tim Georgi (Freudenberg Racing Team) will be determined to perform on the world stage as he gets another taste of the Moto3™ World Championship.

It’s always too close to call in Moto3™, but after the gap was cut by a third in Assen the field now know there’s everything to play for – with the end of the season still a very long way off.

Moto3™ head the timetable again on Friday at 9:00 (GMT +2) for FP1, with the race on Sunday firing up at 11:00.