Manuel Gonzalez took his first Grand Prix victory at the Motegi circuit by betting on slicks rather than wet tires. He finished ahead of Ai Ogura who will have a first match point in Australia in the fight for the title.
The rain came to spoil the party just after the start of the Japanese Grand Prix race. After a flag interruption, a new start was given for a race shortened to 12 laps. Some chose to go with rain tires while others opted for slicks…
Manuel Gonzalez was one of them, as was Ai Ogura. Wearing slicks, he attacked straight away and quickly rose to the level of his Japanese rival and made short work of him. Gonzalez then raced to his first Grand Prix success in front of Ogura.
Filip Salac, who also started on slicks, crossed the finish line in third place ahead of Jeremy Alcoba and Zonta van den Goorbergh.
In the championship, they are still nine in the title race and Ogura, who is 60 points ahead of his teammate Sergio Garcia, will play a match point in Australia.
Ranking
Photo : Gresini Racing
