Rory Skinner is on the board in the Moto2 World Championship after holding his nerve in treacherous conditions to pick up a precious 12th place finish in the shortened Australian Moto2.

The Scot is in the midst of a difficult first season in the hugely competitive intermediate class with American Racing, a campaign that has seen solid progress but not top fifteen result in the run up to the 16th round of the season at Phillip Island.

However, Sunday’s rainy conditions presented Skinner with an opportunity to be competitive, the former BSB rider emerging as one of the few able to make progress up the order as the rain came down, even enjoying a scrap with Moto2 leader Pedro Acosta for a time.

Coupled with a high attrition rate as rivals succumbed to the conditions, Skinner was running 12th when the race was called to a halt on lap nine and the result called with half-points on offer.

It meant Skinner racked up two points for his efforts, joining Marcos Ramirez in ensuring a double points’ finish for the American Racing team.

“My weekend was quite good. Well, the race was, the rest of the weekend was a bit difficult. Friday was good and Saturday morning too but I quite enjoy this track; it’s fast and flowing, I think every rider that comes here enjoys it too as it’s a proper riders’ track.

“I made a mistake in qualifying and didn’t put myself in the best place to make the most of the time on track. 

“For the race, when the weather changed so dramatically, it’s fair to say the rain helped me. Coming from P28 on the grid to P12 to get my first Moto2 World Championship points, I’m super happy with that. 

“It’s been a long old season so far but I’ve finally got the points in the bag and it’s a weight off my shoulders. We’ll continue the hard work but I don’t have to put as much pressure on myself which will help me in the future.

“I just want to say a massive thank you to my team, John and Eitan for all their work and support to get me here.”