MotoGP Austria: Granado does the MotoE double

LCR’s Eric Granado claimed a double victory at the Red Bull Ring to narrow the FIM Enel MotoE World Cup standings.

Having emerged victorious from a dramatic race one which saw Pons Racing 40’s Mattia Casadei crash out of the lead on the final lap, Granado beat main title-rival Dominique Aegerter (Dynavolt Intact GP) by 1.2s as teammate Miquel Pons picked up the final podium spot in third.

Sunday’s race saw the Brazilian take a convincing second win to close the title race up to just 17.5 points with 50 on offer in the championship deciders at Misano in a fortnight’s time. Teammate Pons continued the celebrations in second for an LCR one-two, while Aegerter joined the pair on the podium again, for third.

“A very crazy race!|” Granado said after Sunday’s clash. “I was pushing a hundred per cent from the beginning. Again today, the first lap, I didn’t have good grip, I was very far from the first two, but I kept the pace, I got them, and I was into first position, controlling the gap with the team.

“I knew that on the last lap, they would try. I was trying to brake as late as possible and close the gap in the corners, and finally I could win. So yes, I’m very happy.

“I want to also say congratulations to Miquel because it’s always good to have a good teammate to push you hard and also help you in this situation, when I needed some help with the points. I did my best, let’s see what happens in Misano.”