News 21 Oct 2014

West to remain in Moto2 ranks for 2015 season

Experienced Aussie retained by QMMF Racing Team.

Image: Brian Dyer.

Image: Brian Dyer.

Queenslander Anthony West will remain in the Moto2 World Championship for 2015, confirming on Sunday at Phillip Island that he has agreed to terms with the QMMF Racing Team.

West confirmed the news on the grid during a pre-race interview with Network Ten, 15 years following his first full season of grand prix racing in 1999.

The 33-year-old had an adventurous return to Phillip Island on Sunday in the Moto2 affair, ultimately finishing outside the points after two costly errors while struggling with the set-up of his Speed Up chassis.

West, who finished on the podium at his home grand prix in 2012 before it was later stripped, qualified in 25th and despite his race day troubles finished as best of the Australians in 22nd.

“I had a good start and passed many riders in the first half of a lap,” West recalled. “Then I had a big highside and lost three positions. I kept fighting and I felt the bike was heavy to turn compared to other riders in the fast sections, so it was difficult to ride. It got worse the more fuel I burned, because the fuel load kept the front down to help it turn.

“There was a group in front of me and I could have stayed with them to get points, but when I entered one turn I made a small mistake and went straight off the track. From there I came back and caught up with the pack of riders in front of me, but the real race was over!”

West is now 12th in the world championship standings, bolstered by his superb Assen victory in round eight of the season.

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