Spirited run for Vierge

PETRONAS Sprinta Racing's Xavi Vierge did well to clinch a season’s best sixth-place finish at the Spanish Motorcycle Grand Prix on Sunday.

Vierge, who had also started from sixth, fended off challenges from the chasing pack at Jerez to secure his third top-10 finish of the season in Moto2.

The Spaniard's result somewhat made up for the disappointment of teammate Jake Dixon.

The Englishman sat out the race after suffering a concussion in a crash during the morning warm-up.

Federal Oil Gresini Moto2’s Fabio Di Giannantonio took the win in Jerez.

“I think it was a solid weekend overall,” said Vierge.

“We are producing consistent lap times but missing just that little bit extra, which can give us the edge.

“But we are close and will work hard to find what we need to do ahead of Le Mans.

Vierge is eighth overall in the standings with 26 points, while Dixon is 17th with nine points. Remy Gardner (Red Bull KTM Ajo) leads the intermediate class on 69.

Meanwhile, Petronas Sprinta Racing's misfortune in Moto3 continued as John McPhee crashed out early in the race.

Teammate Darryn Binder could only muster 22nd after getting tangled up in some late-race drama.

Denis Oncu’s (Red Bull KTM Tech3) final corner crash also took down Jaume Masia (Red Bull KTM Ajo) and Binder.

All three riders were able to remount and finish the race, though lost out on many positions.

Jerez race winner Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) leads on 95 points.