#EmiliaromagnaGP – MOTO3: Alonso fends off Piqueras in a Misano showdown
David Alonso (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) has returned to glory at the Gran Premio Pramac dell’Emilia-Romagna after a brilliant display from the Colombian in a last-lap shootout. Alonso grabbed victory and extended his title advantage to 82 points in the process after pipping Angel Piqueras (Leopard Racing). The #36 was unable to make it back to back-to-back victories in Misano – missing out by 0.175s. Meanwhile, Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) claimed a late podium after Red Bull GASGAS Tech3’s Daniel Holgado was demoted one position for exceeding track limits on the final lap.
As the lights went out, it was a perfect launch from Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia), who grabbed the lead after starting from pole position. Furusato was fending off Championship leader Alonso on the opening lap as the #80 began to edge closer – taking the lead on Lap 2.
Meanwhile, there was high drama at the start, with David Muñoz (BOE Motorsports) crashing at Turn 2, bringing an end to hopes of a top-five finish. The #64 would have to serve a double Long Lap after an incident at the San Marino GP last time out. The #64 was not the only rider to fall in the early stages, with Tatchakorn Buasri (Honda Team Asia) and Riccardo Rossi (CIP Green Power) crashing in the opening laps.
Daniel Holgado (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) was the rider on the move in the early stages, with the #96 carving through the field after starting from P11 on the grid. Holgado reeled in the leaders and hit the front at the end of Lap 4, with Leopard Racing’s Adrian Fernandez and Piqueras beginning to make moves – pushing Alonso back to fifth.
Positions were exchanged at every opportunity, with the fastest lap changing hands throughout and Piqueras having his turn in P1. Furusato and Fernandez made contact on Lap 9, dropping both riders outside the top five. Meanwhile, Alonso put the hammer down, with the pace increasing after the #80 retook P1.
There was high drama in the closing stages, with four riders remaining in the lead group, including Holgado, who reclaimed the lead on the penultimate lap as Alonso dropped back to P3. Meanwhile, Veijer was sitting comfortably in fourth, pushing hard to enter the podium battle.
It was a show-stopping final lap, with Alonso fighting back, reclaiming P1 with Piqueras now hot on his tail. However, Alonso remained unstoppable on the last lap after he put together the perfect final sector, fending off Piqueras to charge to victory in yet another thrilling in Misano. The #36 held onto second at the line as Veijer made his return to the podium.
Holgado was demoted to fourth at the line, missing out on a rostrum finish, to the disappointment of the Spaniard. Meanwhile, Ivan Ortola (MT Helmets – MSI) rounded out a talented top five, finishing less than three seconds adrift from the win. The #48 crossed the line to beat Luca Lunetta (SIC58 Squadra Corse) in yet another standout ride from the Italian at home. Lunetta crossed the line marginally ahead of BOE Motorsports’ Joel Kelso, with the Aussie earning himself a seventh-place finish. Meanwhile- Fernandez was able to recover to eighth after earlier drama with Furusato.
The final spots inside the top 10 were claimed by Matteo Bertelle (Kopron Rivacold Snipers Team) and Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo). Further back, Furusato finished in 13th after the pole sitter was handed a Long Lap for exceeding track limits. Muñoz’ would have an early end to the day after the #64 crashed for the second time.
The race was going very well, it was a pity that a contact from another rider made us drop positions. Afterwards, I had a hard time catching the pace that they had put in the front. In any case, we continue gaining experience and learning for the next races. We’re almost there, and we’ll keep working to make it happen.
Adrian Fernandez – P8
Riccardo Rossi – P23
Today was not a good day, to be honest. It started well; we made some adjustments to the bike, and during the warm-up, I felt confident. I managed to overtake some riders at the start of the race. However, around Turn 10, I saw a group of riders battling, and as I tried to overtake from the outside, another rider collided with me, hitting my elbow and causing me to crash. The positive takeaway is that we’ve found a good setup for the bike. Hopefully, we can find our pace from day one at Mandalika and have a better result next week.
Tatchakorn Buasri – NC
Click the button below to find out all the images of the #KytCrew during the weekend in Misano.