3. Alexis Masbou (Moto3)
Moto3 isn’t a class where you would expect experience to be a factor but Alexis Masbou needed all of his on Sunday. The Frenchman, who made his Grand Prix debut ten years ago in the 125cc class, has spent his entire GP career in the lightweight class but will have had few better performances than this one.
In 2013, Masbou has been among the closest challengers to KTM’s dominance with his Honda powered FTR and he was well placed to threaten them again in Valencia when he qualified eighth, before it all changed on the parade lap. The no.10 machine refused to start and Alexis’ 123rd start would come from the pitlane rather than the third row.
At the end of lap one, Masbou was 33rd and last but picked off his competitors one by one until lap eleven when he finally climbed into the points. His work wasn’t yet done as a manic pack of riders fought over sixth, including race winner Romano Fenati and Miguel Oliveira, podium finisher just three races ago. Isaac Vinales was the last rider standing in his way and in a mad dash to the finish line, Alexis snatched sixth by 0.189s. Although it was overshadowed by the crowning of a new champion, Masbou’s ride deserved recognition.
(Photo Credit: MotoGP.com)
