Qatar Moto3: Masbou converts pole to win after frantic battle

Alex Masbou has become the first victor of the 2015 Moto3 season, converting his pole position into the win after a frantic battle that saw eight race leaders. The Honda rider just held off Enea Bastianani by only 0.027 for the win.

With a group of over ten riders constantly swapping the lead all race long, the Frenchman was able to set himself up perfectly for the slipstream race to the line.

“I was afraid on the last lap because I would rather have been in front. I knew my bike was fast, but still I thought it wasn’t possible. But when I got behind Bastianani and Kent on the last lap I thought ‘oh, I can win this!”

Danny Kent, who led for a considerable amount of the race, ended it in the final podium spot, taking the place from teammate Efren Vasquez.

“It was a very busy race. As soon as I got to the front of the group, I was able to break the group up, but then some of the other guys got to the front and it closed up again. Still though, I’m really pleased to have started the season so strongly.”

John McPhee, the second of the Brits was next, taking fifth place despite admitting that it was a hard race for him after making a mistake on bike set-up.

“I’m really happy to be in fifth, but it was such a difficult race. We went too long with the gearing and I didn’t pass a single person on the straight all race long. I had to do all my passing on the corners, and to be honest the last lap was a bit of an eyes shut moment!”