Positive drop out

Vector Racing Team pilot and the only Russian in MotoGP Vladimir Leonov competed in Italian Gran Prix, i.e. the fifth round of the world motor racing championship, in the 250cc class. Unfortunately, technical problems kept the 22-year old pilot from finishing in his debut MotoGP season.

During a two-day practice run, Vladimir Leonov, representing Viessmann Kiefer Racing, got used to the circuit very quickly, and he passed the qualification with no problem - ending up 21st out of 24 drivers. It started raining right before the race, however, forcing mechanics to switch from slick to rain tyres. This should have actually played right into the hands of our driver, who has proven himself a master of the wet track many times. In addition, it is a well-known fact that rain minimizes the engine power of bikes of factory and private moto teams.

At the very beginning, Leonov was outperforming all his rivals. But unfortunately, on lap four, the silencer of Vladimir’s Aprilia blew up and split, leaving the driver with no choice but to drop out of the race for the first time this season. If not for this misfortune, Vladimir Leonov could have earned additional points for the third time in MotoGP. After the first five MotoGP tournaments, Vladimir Leonov has seven points occupying the 20th position.

Vladimir Leonov: “I made a good start and had a great chance of ending up with more points. I was behind Mike Di Meglio, who finished in 12th. But that’s when my silencer blew off, and I had to quit. This is the first time this has happened to me this year. It is sad, but it happens. The most important thing for me right now is that we continue moving forward and making progress. I just hope I will be luckier next time in Spain.”

The next MotoGP round will take place in Catalunya (Barcelona, Spain) on June 12-14.