Jacob Roulstone on the podium accepting the MotoGP Rookies in Spain

MotoGP Red Bull Rookie Cup 2023
Second round, Spain

Maximo Quiles topped qualifying at Jerez, leading the pitch 0.233, ahead of Marco Morelli and Angel Piqueras. Jacob Roulstone just missed the front row, 0.017 behind Piqueras.

Jacob Roulstone

“I’ve worked really hard during the break since Portimão and I think it’s paid off,” said the 18-year-old Australian. “I am very satisfied with the path that I have taken today. It’s tough, hot, and slippery out there, so you have to ride as gently as possible. In Free Practice 2, I tried to work alone as much as I could, focusing only on race speed and trying to do lots of consistent reps, not focusing on single lap speed. Going into the Qualifiers, I feel confident, I know I have to finish the lap early because then the matches start. Since Portimão I’ve been testing on my Junior GP bike and then here I got FP1 help from Dani (Ribalta, riding coach) He gave me a number of tips. Also, I’ve worked on staying calm, going into it cool and calm, not getting impatient and upset, I think that’s very important.”

The 15th Qualifier was Cormac Buchanan, while Carter Thompson was 18th.

1 . race

The third win in a row shows how hard Angel Piqueras is fighting for the advantage at the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup.

The 16-year-old Spaniard was sent into the last corner by Jacob Roulstone, but the 18-year-old Australian drifted out, collided KTM with Álvaro Carpe and was only able to stop Máximo Quiles on the run.

Carpe, 15, of Spain, was furious about the encounter, lost focus and lost his place on the podium when compatriot, Quiles, 15, flashed through after recovering from a penalty at the end of the lap after fighting for the lead most of the time. species.

Jacob Roulstone

“I am happy that all the hard work has paid off and I am very confident going into the Qualifiers and the race. After 5 laps I struggled a bit to keep up with the leading group, I decided to calm down to finish and I caught up. I feel really good, got past Carpe and got into the final turn inside Piqueras, I slipped down to 2nd place when I thought I was in 1st. So I couldn’t steer, Piqueras passed me and bumped into Carpe, which he wasn’t happy about, I’m not a great racer, I don’t know if he expected me to let him. pass or not but i am not here to make him happy. I’m just focused on tomorrow, the bike is doing well, I’ve had quite a few moments but those are manageable moments.”

New Zealand’s Cormac Buchanan placed 15th, being part of a large group that lasted from 12th to 16th. Carter Thompson came in 17th.

Race results 1

race 2

Maximo Quiles stole Angel Piqueras’ fourth Rookies Cup title on his way into the line chased by Álvaro Carpe to claim the all-Spanish Jerez podium.

The 200th Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup race was another amazing race with 15-year-old Argentinian Marco Morelli also in the lead for most of the race and finishing fourth. when 15-year-old Finn Rico Salmela fell one spot for going over the track limit on the final lap of his brilliant late race.

Quiles, 15, took the lead after a great start from the pole but Piqueras, 16, was quickly squeezed into second place. Carpe, 15, had a lot of work to do from 10th place on the grid but wasted no time and quickly turned it into a trio that the rest struggled to match.

Saturday’s podium man Jacob Roulstone and Ruche Moodley along with Salmela both helped pull the chase team back into contention but it was never a complete stalemate.

Maximo Quiles

“Not too bad, a very good race, I had a very good rhythm. When I saw that we had quite a bit of distance from the main group, I slowed down a bit to give the tires a rest but increased the speed as the distance closed. I had quite a bit of confidence. In the last round, I knew he was going to try so I was better prepared for the exit. The only problem is that I’m on the left and I’m not used to the brakes there so I don’t have my usual reference. I brake very badly and he was able to pass me. Then I have a better exit and I can finish first. I know I have to keep finishing against him, I have a very good rhythm and I think I can do it.”

Roulstone finished the day in sixth place as the top Australian. New Zealand’s Buchanan improved to 14th, with Thompson also improving to 15th after a challenging weekend.

Cormac Buchanan

“I had a really bad start, coming in 20th at the end of the first round, so I’m happy to be back in P14. In the last laps when I was leading the group, I was able to stay there and hit good pace in the later stages of the race, which is positive. I don’t want how the weekend goes – it’s tough sometimes but finishing on points in both races is a lifesaver. It was also a really fun race in front of the Spaniards crowd, a great experience. Now it’s time to focus on round one of @juniorgp in Estoril next weekend – can’t wait to get back to @agrteamofficial and show you the new design. Sincere thanks to everyone who supported me, it wasn’t an easy weekend but it will make those happy weekends even sweeter!”

Carter Thompson

“It’s good to get the points, I feel better with the bike and myself, still learning a lot but I’m improving. Many thanks to Dani, Joan and the entire Rookies team. Now go to Estoril next week.”

Angel Piqueras currently leads the rankings with 95 points, Alvaro Carpe is second with 59 points.

Jacob Roulstone is sixth with 40 points, Cormac Buchanan holds five points in 16th place and Carter Thompson holds two points in 21st place.

Race results 2

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