Double podium for KTM Ajo team, Fernandez takes maiden Moto2 win
Raul Fernandez came from tenth on the grid to win his first Moto2 race, whilst a last lap lunge from Remy Gardner on Joe Roberts saw the Australian take his third podium from three races.
Fernandez left the most in his tyres of the front group heading into the final few laps, and once he made his way into the lead past Aron Canet on the pit straight, the Spanish rider pulled out a gap of over a second that Canet, Roberts and Gardner could not close down.
"I have no words to describe how I feel after taking my first Moto2 victory. We were not expecting it, as we were very far back after two of my laps in qualifying were cancelled out," said the Moto2 rookie.
"However, this morning in the warm-up I already felt good. I’m happy with how the race went, especially the final part, which is what we had been finding most difficult so far.
"I want to thank the team because they have become a second family for me. They are the people who give me the strength to fight to win."
The double podium for Fernandez and Gardner also results in both riders leapfrogging Sam Lowes in the championship, after the British rider crashed on the opening lap at turn one.
Gardner sits on 56 points, while his younger team-mate is on 52 heading into round four at Jerez.
Gardner had looked like the pre race favourite following the practice sessions and spent much of the early laps in a comfortable second behind Marco Bezzechi.
However, the inaugural Moto2 winner at Portimao six months ago ran out of rear grip towards the end and was fortunate to get a podium, as his overtake on Roberts with one corner to go, was very risky as he ran into the American mid corner which nearly made Roberts crash.
Speaking about his third place result, Gardner said: "I’m happy with the result. Maybe I expected a little more from Portugal, seeing how last year went well and bearing in mind how all the practice sessions had gone.
"But in the race it was a bit more tough. My tyres had gone by the end and I made quite a few mistakes that I need to improve on for the future.
"But I’m happy to be able to round off the weekend with a podium. These points are good for the World Championship and we must continue working hard for the rest of the year."
