Portimao: Rueda victory – 8th place for Rosenthaler / Red Bull Rockies

16-year-old Jose Rueda took the early lead in the first race of the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup in Portimao today and, after an almost flawless ride, also claimed his first win of the season. Citizen Angel Pequeiras (15) was chasing after him and the heeler slid until the penultimate lap.

Piqueras had the potential victory in mind, but after a sudden change of direction the KTM RC250R swerved aside and the rider dropped. Then Rueda came back with a clear victory by nine seconds ahead of Casey O’Gorman and Colin Feiger.

“I am happy with this win and with the bike,” Rueda said. “I really enjoyed the race. I wanted to drive away, but I knew I was going to get caught anyway. But I don’t know how close I was to being chased on the penultimate lap.”

Jakob Rosenthaler of Upper Austria put in a solid performance in his second year in the Cup: He finished eighth, trailing 1.44 seconds.

Only 16 passengers finished.

Result, Portimao, first race, April 23

1. Jose Rueda (E) 10 laps in 1: 58.962 (= 145.1 km/h)
2. Casey O’Gorman (IRL) + 9.178 seconds
3. Colin Feiger (NL) +9.202
4. Harrison Voight (Australia) +9280
5. Tatchkorn Buasri (THA) +10.199
6. Gabin Planques (F)
7. Jacob Rolston (Australia)
8. Jacob Rosenthaler (A) +14.405
9- Daniel Sharell (money)
10 – Lorenz Luciano (B)
11. Arbi Aditama (INA)
12 – Marcus Roda (English)
13. Freddy Heinrich (D) +22,342
14 – Roche Modly (RSA)
15 – Damis Mahila (I)