Round 5 of the FIM JuniorGP™ World Championship hits Jerez, where the stakes are high, the tarmac is hot, and every rider is ready to chase more glory
The FIM JuniorGP™ World Championship heads to the legendary Circuito de Jerez-Ángel Nieto for Round 5 of the season, a crucial juncture as we enter the final three rounds. The Spanish classic, host of many a memorable moment in motorcycle racing history, will host a packed schedule featuring two JuniorGP™ races, one Moto2™ ECh race, two European Talent Cup races, and a Stock ECh race.
FIM JuniorGP
In the JuniorGP™ class, current leader Alvaro Carpe (STV Laglisse Racing) aims to build on his Algarve victory, but with just a narrow two-point lead over rivals Jesús Rios (MRE Talent) and Marcos Uriarte (CFMoto Aspar Junior Team), the pressure is on. Carpe’s two point lead is thanks to consistency, failing only to score points in Race 2 at Misano, and taking two wins on his way to the top. He also arrives fresh from wrapping up the Rookies title in Misano. Andalusian Jesús Rios, meanwhile, has the most victories of any rider on the grid (three) but a less consistent run sees him coming into Jerez second in the standings. Uriarte, meanwhile, has accumulated four podiums so far this season with a best position of P2, so will no doubt be aiming for the top step to take his maiden victory on home ground.
Rios and Uriarte, both tied at 88 points, will be pushing to gain ground and possibly even take over the championship lead. Meanwhile, Adrián Cruces (Finetwork Team) in 4th and Alessandro Morosi (CFMoto Aspar Junior Team) in 5th are within striking distance, looking to capitalise on any slip-ups from the leaders, as just 14 points cover the top five – it’s all up for grabs. 
Moto2 European Championship
The Moto2™ European Championship race sees Roberto Garcia (Fantic Cardoso Racing) defending a solid 18-point lead after a perfect Portimao weekend, taking pole and double victory. The Spanish rider from Seville, just an hour away, will be hoping to carry this momentum into his home round. However, with Team Ciatti-Boscoscuro riders Mattia Casadei and Alberto Surra breathing down his neck, 18 and 19 points adrift respectively, the fight for the top is far from settled, with 25 points up for grabs in this single-race round.
European Talent Cup
In the ETC, Marco Morelli (MLav Racing) leads the pack but faces strong competition as Carlos Cano (SEVENTYTWO Motorsports Artbox), who added a third victory of the season in Portimão to cut the gap with the Argentine, trails by just four points, and CFMoto Aspar Junior Team’s Giulio Pugliese will be eager to close the gap after a consistent run of podium finishes. AC Racing’s David Gonzalez, fourth in the standings despite two DNFs, has four podiums to his name and his hot on the Italian’s tail. He will also be looking to extend his two-point lead over Valentín Perrone (Frando Racing VHC Team).
Stock European Championship
In the Stock European Championship, it’s a dead heat at the top with Yamaha GV Racing riders Lorenzo Dalla Porta and Mario Mayor tied at 61 points apiece, with a 14-point lead over Adrian Rodriguez (SF Racing), who took victory in Estoril. The tension in the Yamaha GV Racing team box must be high and this race could prove pivotal in determining who takes the upper hand as we head into the final run of the season. Dalla Porta missed the last race in Portimão, so comes into the round after a potential a 25-point handicap, which he will no doubt be keen to recover and add to the two victories already to his name. Demis Mihaila (MDR Competión) and top Honda Andy Verdoïa (Team Honda Laglisse), both yet to take victories this season, round out the top five, covered by 21 points. Will Dalla Porta make a dream return or will we see Stock upset from a contender?
Tune in this weekend for another stunning round of JuniorGP™ action from the equally stunning Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto.
11:00 JuniorGP™ Race 1 – 15 laps
12:00 ETC Race 1 – 14 laps
13:00 Moto2™ ECh Race – 16 laps
14:00 JuniorGP™ Race 2 – 15 laps
15:00 ETC Race 2 – 14 laps
16:00 Stock ECh Race – 16 laps
For more info checkout our dedicated FIM JuniorGP™ news page superbike-news.co.uk/cev-repsol/
You can also find all the results, videos, photos and information regarding the championship on the official website: www.fimjuniorgp.com/en
