Thai rider Somkiat 3rd at Le Mans
Thailand’s Somkiat Chantra claimed another podium finish in the Moto2 world championship, claiming third place at the French Grand Prix at Le Mans on Sunday.
It was his third podium this season after his breakthrough victory in Indonesia and runner-up spot in Argentina.
The Idemitsu Honda Team Asia rider fought his way back from a fourth-row start to finish third at Le Mans behind winner Augusto Fernandez and runner-up Aron Canet at Le Mans.
The race was hot and fraught, with 10 riders sliding off. Some of these exits helped Somkiat move forward, but the 23-year-old Thai rider was also riding aggressively, forcing his way forward throughout.
“What a tough day! I’m very happy to finish third,” the Thai said.
Somkiat sits seventh in the world championship standings.
In MotoGP, Enea Bastianini grabbed his third victory in seven races this season as he took the French Grand Prix.
The Italian, riding a Gresini Ducati, cruised home 2.718 seconds ahead of Australian Jack Miller on a factory Ducati.
“I’m really happy with this race because this victory is unexpected,” said Bastianini.
The championships continue with the Italian and Catalan GPs on May 29 and June 5. AGENCIES
MOTOGP RESULTS
1. Enea Bastianini (ITA/Ducati-Gresini) 41min 34.613sec; 2. Jack Miller (AUS/Ducati) at 2.718sec;
3. Aleix Espargaro (ITA/Aprilia) 4.182; 4. Fabio Quartararo (FRA/Yamaha) 4.288; 5. Johann Zarco (FRA/Ducati-Pramac) 11.139
STANDINGS
1. Fabio Quartararo (FRA/Yamaha) 102 points; 2. Aleix Espargaro (ESP/Aprilia) 98; 3. Enea Bastianini (ITA/Ducati-Gresini) 94; 4. Alex Rins (ESP/Suzuki) 69; 5. Jack Miller (AUS/Ducati) 62
MOTO2 RESULTS
1. Augusto Fernandez (ESP/Red Bull KTM Ajo) 40min 31.726sec; 2. Aron Canet (ESP/Flexbox HP40) at 3.746; 3. Somkiat Chantra (THA/Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) at 4.628; 4. Cameron Beaubier (USA/American Racing) at 4.745; 5. Ai Ogura (JPN/ Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) at 15.376
STANDINGS
1. Celestino Vietti (ITA/Mooney VR46 Racing Team0 108 points; 2. Ai Ogura (JPN/Idemitsu Honda Team Asia 92; 3. Aron Canet (ESP/Flexbox HP40) 89;
4. Tony Arbolino (ITA/Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) 70; 5. Augusto Fernandez (ESP/Red Bull KTM Ajo) 69; 6. Joe Roberts (USA/Italtrans Racing Team 66;
7. Somkiat Chantra (THA/Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) 61