John McPhee’s Austrian Grand Prix comes to a premature end
CONNEL’S John McPhee pulled a fast one in qualifying for the Austrian GP, going fifth quickest in the chaotic session after some good pace all weekend. Moto3
Doing 15 laps in the session with a best of 1:36.790, the Scot was only 0.075s behind the fourth fastest time and was looking to push for a podium charge on race day if he could get a good start – with the lap times all incredibly close at the top.
From his solid fifth place in qualifying, it was looking good for the British Talent Team rider as he moved immediately up into the lead by Turn 3 on Lap 1 to prove his pace on race day.
Battling in the front group thereafter, McPhee fought hard to take another podium finish and was in the mix until finding his race prematurely cut short after contact with another rider.
With nine laps to go, McPhee was collected into Turn 1. Escaping unharmed, John was then sadly forced into the pitlane to retire.
After the race John said: ‘I’m obviously angry and disappointed with the outcome today but really there was no avoiding what happened behind me.
‘I felt strong throughout the race and was able to attack in all areas of the track which was a nice feeling.
‘All weekend I’ve been fast so that makes it hard for myself and the team not to come away with a result – but on a positive note it’s really nice to be heading to my home race in Silverstone feeling so good with my bike. I hope to turn things around and claim back the missing points on home soil.’
Next up for the Connel rider is the British Grand Prix at Silverstone on August 27 with the home crowd sure to create a good stage for him to use in his mission to bounce back quickly.