AUSTIN, Texas – The Moto3 grid saw a strong showing from the CIP Green Power team at the Grand Prix of the Americas, held at the Circuit of the Americas this weekend. Despite a challenging start to qualifying, both riders, Adrian Cruces and Scott Ogden, battled their way into the top ten, demonstrating resilience and a clear upward trajectory for the team. Cruces ultimately secured an eighth-place finish, while Ogden finished tenth, marking a significant step forward for the French-based squad.
The weekend wasn’t without its hurdles. Both Cruces and Ogden found themselves needing to navigate the first qualifying session (Q1) on Friday, a less-than-ideal position for a team aiming for consistent top-ten finishes. However, intensive work throughout Friday evening and Saturday morning’s Free Practice 2 (FP2) yielded tangible improvements. According to the team, these adjustments allowed both riders to break into the top ten during FP2, signaling a positive shift in performance. The Moto3 championship standings are constantly evolving, and every point is crucial.
Qualifying Gains and Race Day Momentum
The team’s progress continued into qualifying. Scott Ogden set the fastest time in Q1, securing his place in the second qualifying session (Q2). Adrian Cruces followed closely behind in third, also earning a spot in Q2. The final qualifying results placed Ogden tenth on the grid and Cruces fifteenth. This represented a considerable improvement from their initial positions and set the stage for a competitive race. The official MotoGP qualifying results can be found on the MotoGP website.
The race itself was a dynamic affair, characterized by close battles and frequent overtaking maneuvers. Both CIP Green Power riders made strong starts, quickly establishing themselves within the leading pack. Ogden and Cruces demonstrated a remarkable competitive spirit, consistently challenging for position throughout the 21-lap race.
Cruces’ Penalty and Ogden’s Recovery
Adrian Cruces initially crossed the finish line in sixth place, a result that would have been a season best. However, a two-second penalty was applied following an on-track incident with another rider during the final lap, dropping him to eighth. While frustrating, the team acknowledged the penalty and focused on the overall positive performance.
Scott Ogden’s tenth-place finish was particularly noteworthy given his recent physical challenges. The team confirmed that Ogden was still experiencing discomfort from a leg injury sustained at the previous Grand Prix, making his performance all the more impressive. He navigated the demanding circuit and maintained a consistent pace, ultimately securing valuable championship points.
Team Reflections and Future Outlook
Team owner Alain Bronec expressed satisfaction with the weekend’s results, acknowledging the difficulties faced on Friday. “We had a complicated Friday, as we have had in the first three races of the season,” Bronec said. “Our two pilots did not manage to directly access Q2. However, they did a particularly decent job on Saturday morning, with very encouraging times, before confirming in the afternoon by qualifying for Q2. They then qualified in 10th and 15th positions.” He added that while they were still lacking some elements to consistently challenge at the very front, both riders demonstrated significant potential.
Cruces himself echoed this sentiment, stating, “I am very satisfied with my weekend. The first day was not the best, but we managed to improve the bike on Friday and Saturday morning, which allowed us to make a breakthrough. The race was difficult. I had to fight a lot in my group, with many overtaking maneuvers. In the last lap, I crossed the line in 6th position, but after contact with another rider, I was finally classified 8th. I am still very happy with the points scored. We continue to learn and progress in preparation for the next race at Jerez.”
Ogden, despite the lingering effects of his injury, remained optimistic. “it’s a good result after a few difficult weeks. I still feel a lot of physical pain, especially in the last laps, which makes the end of the race complicated. Despite this, I think we have made a breakthrough this weekend, especially in the battle. Of course, it’s not yet where we want to be. Our goal is to fight at the front, in the leading group, but it’s a new positive step in our progress.”
The CIP Green Power team will now employ the upcoming break in the schedule to analyze their performance data and continue developing their machines. Their next race is scheduled for Jerez in Spain next month, where they will aim to build on the momentum gained in Austin and further solidify their position in the competitive Moto3 championship. The official MotoGP calendar, including dates and locations, can be found here.
What do you think of CIP Green Power’s performance in Austin? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and be sure to share this article with fellow Moto3 fans.
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