#JapaneseGP – MOTO3: Alonso seals the World Championship with a stunning victory in Japan
David Alonso (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) made history at the Motul Grand Prix of Japan, earning his moment in the sun as the #80 was crowned the first-ever Colombian World Champion. It was an unforgettable day for the entire Aspar Team after an incredible season for Alonso, who took his 10th Grand Prix win of the season so far – taking glory by 0.524s. Alonso took victory from Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP), with the Dutchman beating Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing), who completed a talented podium rostrum.
There was drama on the sighting lap for Alonso, nearly crashing and breaking the screen of his bike. The team kept calm, fixing the machine in time and allowing Alonso to claim a great start, slotting into P2 behind Ivan Ortola (MT Helmets – MSI), who stormed into the lead at Turn 1. Meanwhile, Daniel Holgado (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) began to work hard from the start, carving through the field from ninth on the grid to inside the top five – soon setting sights on the podium.
Holgado took the lead for the first time on Lap 3 before Fernandez pulled off an incredible double overtake at Turn 5. Alonso began to lose positions in the early laps, dropping to seventh behind David Muñoz (BOE Motorsports) – with Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) now glued to the #80’s tail.
A huge train formed at the front, with Fernandez setting a red-hot pace, allowing the #31 to eke out a slight margin from Holgado, who was under pressure from Ortola and Angel Piqueras (Leopard Racing). Ortola soon charged into P2, edging closer at every sector as Joel Kelso’s (BOE Motorsports) day came to an end with a crash at Turn 10 – rider OK.
The gloves were off at half-race distance, with Alonso soon entering the top five before overtaking Piqueras on Lap 10 for fourth. The #80 made his first attempt on a move on Holgado at Turn 10 before making it crucially stick on Lap 11. The Colombian did not stop there, sliding into second before grabbing the lead on Lap 14 – demoting Fernandez to second.
Veijer was beginning to make moves, battling through the field after a tough start. The Dutchman was soon in the podium battle, with Veijer in an intense fight with Holgado before he began to edge closer to Fernandez.
In the closing stages, Alonso stretched out a fourth-tenth margin, with Ortola dramatically losing the front at Turn 10. It was an intense final lap, with the Colombian moving one step closer to the World Championship at every corner. At the flag, it was a magical day that was all about Alonso, who made history and became Moto3™ World Championship.
Holgado could only manage fourth after a passionate ride from the #96, who pushed hard throughout the 17 lap showdown. Rueda rounded out the top five spots, while Ryusei Yamanaka (MT Helmets – MSI) bagged a strong sixth place finish at home. Yamanaka crossed the line ahead of compatriot Tatsuki Suzuki (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP), while BOE Motorsports’ David Muñoz took eighth.
Meanwhile, Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia) and LEVELUP – MTA’s Stefano Nepa grabbed the final spot inside the top 10. Further back, Kopron Rivacold Sniper Team’s Matteo Bertelle and David Almansa took solid points in 11th and 12th as Filippo Farioli (SIC58 Squadra Corse) claimed 13th. Riccardo Rossi (CIP Green Power) was 14th as the final point was scored by Joel Kelso on a magical day for the CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team.
We really needed the confidence boost that the podium in Indonesia gave us. I am very happy with today’s podium, because it is again a proof of our hard work, of all the hours and passion we are putting in to improve a little bit every day. It’s a pity I lost the lead in the last laps, because I had tried to open a gap, but I couldn’t. In any case, we’re working in the right direction, and I couldn’t be happier to have achieved back-to-back podiums!
Adrian Fernandez – P3
It was a special weekend. We got off to a good start on Friday, but the afternoon session didn’t go so well. Things went better on Saturday morning and I was able to make up for that by qualifying in Q2. However, I didn’t manage to get a good grid position. I missed my start today and found myself 19th on the first lap. I had a very good pace, so I tried to make up for it during the race. 14th isn’t ideal, but it’s still very positive after a difficult weekend overall.
Riccardo Rossi – P14
Today was tough for me. Unfortunately, I couldn’t finish the race after an early crash at Turn 3. I didn’t have the best start, but I pushed hard until the crash happened. It’s disappointing, especially after all the hard work we put in to achieve a good result. I hope to be fully recovered for the race in Australia in two weeks.
Tatchakorn Buasri – NC
Click the button below to find out all the images of the #KytCrew during the weekend in Japan.