Moto2: Morbidelli dominates again to extend title lead

Franco Morbidelli has become the first person since 2001 to win the opening three races of the middleweight season, after adding the American Grand Prix Moto2 title to his credits. The Italian-Brazilian rider looked almost untouchable for the whole race, taking the win by nearly three seconds.

He was initially challenged briefly by teammate Alex Marquez, but a small mistake for the Spaniard cost him the chance to fight, leaving Thomas Luthi to come through to second – but despite a late push, it wasn’t enough to hunt down the Marc VDS rider in front.

Takaaki Nakagami took the final podium spot from Marquez in the closing stages of the race, with Dominique Aegerter giving Suter their best result since their Moto2 return in fifth, ahead of the KTM of Miguel Oliveria, the Speed Up of Simone Corsi and a second Suter with Marcel Schrotter onboard. Xavi Vierge made it five manufacturers in the top nine, while Luca Marini rounded out the top ten.

Brit Danny Kent didn’t start the race after tweaking his back in this morning’s warmup session.