Johann Zarco wins his first 125cc race at Motegi

Rider Johann Zarco has won the 125cc World Championship, his first victory in the world championship. After many attempts and opportunities, he has finally realized his dream, his goal: victory at the Motegi circuit.

On this occasion, the Frenchman managed to beat Nico Terol in a new duel, while Faubel secured third place ahead of Viñales, who put in a stellar race with a great comeback on the Japanese track.

At last, Zarco managed to win in a one-on-one battle against his main rival, the category leader Nico Terol, who unfortunately made a small braking error with five laps to go and could not make up the lost distance. It is a shame, because the small mistake happened while he was trying to overtake the Frenchman.

So with everything ready and prepared, it was clear this was his great moment to win the race from pole position, with Terol just a few meters behind. It was TODAY or never, and he seized the opportunity, crossing the line five seconds ahead of the 125cc world championship leader.

Meanwhile, Faubel tried to fight with Zarco and Terol, but it seems the 55 was not in great physical shape and was greatly affected by his injury in Aragon. Little by little he fell behind and could not keep pace with the race leaders, but fortunately he managed to hold on to third place despite Viñales coming through like a whirlwind from behind.

Today was an unlucky day for the 2011 rookie, as during the warm-up lap his chain broke, forcing him to start from the back and make his way through the field. Without doubt a STELLAR race for the Catalan, who reached fourth place at Motegi despite those problems.

Behind them, Sandro Cortese finished fifth, Jonas Folger sixth, Alberto Moncayo seventh, Adrián Martín eighth, Danny Kent ninth and Alessandro Tonucci tenth.

It was a bad day for Efrén Vázquez, who had problems with his bike midway through the race, and had to retire, as did Luis Salom, who suffered a collision with Josep Rodríguez, making it a complicated day for the Spanish riders in the small category.

Terol lost five points today and now holds a 31-point lead over Zarco, but our leader remains very strong and will surely be able to contain the Frenchman, who will now arrive in Australia with more confidence.

The remaining Spanish riders finished 22nd Joan Perelló and 23rd Luis Salom, while Vázquez retired and Rodríguez crashed.

On to Australia.

Motegi Classification