#SPANISHGP – MOTO3: VICTORY FOR VEIJER AS ALONSO RESCUES POINTS IN JEREZ
It was a 19-lap Moto3™ stunner at the Gran Premio Estrella Galicia 0,0 de España as Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) crossed the line to storm to victory after polesitter David Alonso (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) crashed unexpectable at the start of the race. David Muñoz (BOE Motorsports) was second after a strong showing from the #64, who crossed the line a mere 0.045s behind, after leading at the start and giving it everything on the final lap. Ivan Ortola (MT Helmets – MSI) had a great battle in the front group but would lose touch in the latter stages, crossing the line to finish in third, ahead of his teammate.
All talk ahead of the Spanish GP was on damp patches which remained from the rain that hit on Saturday. However, once the lights went out, the Spanish fans were treated to a dramatic first lap as Muñoz had no issues with the conditions and shot off into the lead at the first corner. Alonso soon reclaimed the lead and put down the hammer instantly to push to the limit on the opening lap.
However, at the final corner, everything unfolded, with Alonso losing the front at the end of the first lap – handing Muñoz the lead. This was an extremely rare mistake from the Colombian, who now had a huge task ahead as a massive battle at the front ensued. Veijer soon led an intense six-bike group after a good start from the front row of the grid.
However, on the other side of the Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP garage, it was heartbreak for Tatsuki Suzuki, who suffered a technical issue and pulled into the pitlane. Suzuki would exit the pits and continue one lap down for the rest of the Spanish GP.
All eyes were on Alonso, who showed maturity and kept calm, carving through the field and soon entering point-scoring positions with six laps to go, on a mission to rescue a good finish at the Spanish GP. The #80 matched the pace of the front runners throughout the whole race, with the fastest lap changing hands multiple times.
The final stage of the race at the front was completely unpredictable, with the front group shrinking to four bikes and Veijer showing control. Yamanaka would be the next rider to be unable to match Veijer’s relentless pace, leaving for three bike shootout to fight for victory.
The Dutchman held onto the led on the final lap with Muñoz on the #95’s tail, waiting for the opportunity to pounce. Muñoz tried at every opportunity and attempted to line up the perfect drive towards the final corner. However, Veijer was too strong – making it impossible for Muñoz to show a front wheel. This allowed Veijer to cross the line to win after a brilliant race after a drag race with Muñoz. Further down the field, Alonso finished in 11th after an incredible comeback to score points from last place.
Yamanaka finishing in fourth allowed Joel Kelso (BOE Motorsports) to claim fifth after Joel Esteban (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) lost the front at the final corner, crashing out and losing a potential top-five finish. Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing) was sixth, finishing as the top Honda – ahead of Daniel Holgado (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3). The #96 battled back after a tough qualifying to seventh position, ending the race ahead of LEVELUP – MTA’s Nicola Carraro. The Italian was ahead of teammate Stefano Nepa (LEVELUP – MTA), crossing the line in ninth ahead of Angel Piqueras (Leopard Racing), who rounded out the top 10 positions.
”I’M HAPPY WITH TODAY’S RESULT. THE TRACK WAS NOT IN THE BEST CONDITIONS AND TODAY WE LEARNED THAT WE NEED TO FINISH RACES TO KEEP IMPROVING. IT’S BEEN AMAZING TO RACE IN FRONT OF THIS INCREDIBLE CROWD!”
ADRIAN FERNANDEZ P6
”The weekend started well. It was a bit more complicated in qualifying because of the track conditions, but I had a good pace during the race. Unfortunately, I lost a lot of time in the first few laps fighting with another driver. That’s why I lost the group in front of me. It’s a real shame because the speed was there. I’m now going to concentrate fully on Tuesday’s test so that I’m ready for Le Mans.”
Riccardo Rossi P18
”Today it was a bittersweet Saturday of qualifying at the Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto. In the morning’s Practice 2, I felt good with the bike. The team had made some adjustments, and it improved the bike’s setup, which boosted my confidence in my riding. Despite the challenge of rain during the morning session, I pushed hard, and the feedback was positive. I carried that confidence into Qualifying, but unfortunately, I had a crash. It wasn’t a serious one, thankfully, and I’m okay physically, but I feel disappointed for the team. Looking ahead to tomorrow, my goal is to stay closer to the front group and get involved in the battle for points. With the support of the team, I’m determined to have a good race.”
Tatchakorn Buasri P24
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