News 8 Jun 2018

First Red Bull Rookies point for Van Eerde in Italy

Top 15 result a step forward for Australian newcomer at Mugello.

Image: Supplied.

Australian teenager Billy Van Eerde managed to claim his first-career point in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup at Mugello, finishing 15th in the single race at the iconic Italian grand prix.

Van Eerde, who is competing in the Rookies and Asia Talent Cup during 2018, recovered from an incident in qualifying to score a point in the race, marking another boost for the former dirt-tracker.

“Another eye opener the Italian round was, especially with the atmosphere – it was crazy,” Van Eerde said. “Practice started out good and qualifying was going well until tucking the front and crashing out on lap six set me back, starting from P19.

“We only do one race in the Italian rounds. In the race I ended up finishing 15th, which is my best result out of the two rounds. Happy with the way it’s all coming together, slowly progressing and learning that the first lap is the most important to stay up with the front-runners.”

Van Eerde will remain in Andorra working with countryman Jack Miller in the lead-up to round three of the season, set to be contested at Assen in The Netherlands between 30 June-1 July. He’s now ranked 19th in the championship standings.

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