Moto2 rookie Rory Skinner’s first weekend as a full-time world championship rider got underway with a steady start, finishing 22nd at today’s Portuguese Grand Prix at the challenging Portimão circuit.
The 21-year-old American Racing rider ended the weather-shortened Friday running in 25th, only two seconds off the top and continued to make good progress throughout Saturday as he adjusted to the Moto2 machinery, ending qualifying in 25th position.
Rory’s learning curve continued on Sunday, making up two positions by the halfway mark, and running with much more experienced riders in a battle for top 20 places, eventually bringing his Triumph-powered machine home in 22nd position.
Speaking after the race, Rory said: “My debut full-time grand prix race was good! 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. But 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 and 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.”
Next weekend sees Rory compete outside of Europe for the first time, with round two of the 2023 Moto2 world championship moving to the Termas de Rio Hondo circuit in Argentina.