MotoGP Portimao: ‘Nice to get a race under my belt ’ - Skinner

Rory Skinner enjoyed his full-time Moto2 debut race with American Racing on Sunday despite missing out on targeted Portimao points.

Having joined the team last summer for his British and Austrian GP wildcards, Skinner’s rookie career kicked off in earnest in the Portuguese sunshine after rain had initially struck his Friday morning running. Lining up in 25th position on the Algarve International grid following Saturday’s qualifying, the Scotsman gained positions in Sunday’s 21-lap race, meeting the flag in 22nd. “My debut full-time grand prix race was good!” Skinner said on Sunday evening. “It was nice to finally get a race under my belt this year.

“Having done the wildcards last year, it was good, but I was in the middle of my British Superbike season so they just kind of faded into vivid memory because it was such a hectic time.

“I had a good time and worked out a couple of things that I need to improve with my riding and with the bike as well,” he continued on his weekend at Portimao. “We worked really well as a team which is good since it’s our first grand prix weekend with everybody here. I really enjoyed it and I’m looking forward to going on to Argentina.”