#IndonesianGP – MOTO3: Alonso steals victory from Fernandez as Veijer crashes in Indonesia
David Alonso (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) claims victory number nine of the season at the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia and equals Romano Fenati with 13 wins in Moto3™. It was an impressive ride from the Colombian, who has a 97-point advantage in the Championship and has his first opportunity to wrap up the title in Japan. The #80 beat Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing), who finally had his chance to stand on a Grand Prix podium. The #31 missed out on victory by 0.085s, finishing ahead of BOE Motorsports’ David Muñoz, who made it back-to-back podiums in Indonesia.
At the start, it was a sensational launch from Taiyo Furusato, leading the field through Turn 1 as polesitter Ivan Ortola (MT Helmets – MSI) was demoted to P2 initially. Daniel Holgado (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) and Fernandez were on the move on the opening lap.
Ortola had a double Long Lap to serve during the Grand Prix, taking his first on Lap 2 – dropping outside the points. The #48 served his second on Lap 4, dropping down to 19th. Ortola battled back to 11th before he was handed another Long Lap, this time for a shortcut at Turn 9, leaving the Spaniard with a lot of work to do.
It was an early end to the weekend for Filippo Farioli (SIC58 Squadra Corse) and David Almansa (Kopron Rivacold Snipers Team) after a crash in the opening stages. Honda Team Asia’s Arbi Aditama, Tatchakorn Buasri and Noah Dettwiler (CIP Green Power) also suffered incidents which brought an end to their hopes in Indonesia.
Meanwhile, Daniel Holgado (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) had a phenomenal start to the Grand Prix, carving his way from 14th on the grid to inside the front group. The #96 was soon inside the top five on Lap 8, continuing an impressive ride.
The usual Moto3™ train formed at the front, with positions changing hands at every opportunity as 10 riders battled for glory. Veijer pulled the pin, pushing to the limit before everything unfolded with a crash at Turn 8 – rider OK. It was a huge blow for the Dutchman’s title hopes, with Veijer now over 100 points behind Alonso.
The gloves were off in the closing stages, with Alonso charging into podium contention on Lap 17 before grabbing the lead for the first time. Furusato made a mistake at Turn 1, crashing out as Fernandez, Muñoz and SIC58 Squadra Corse’s Luca Lunetta had their go in P1.
Alonso entered the final lap in third, overtaking Muñoz at Turn 1 before launching an attack at Turn 10. The #80 pulled off an incredible final lap, charging to the line to snatch victory from Fernandez, who had his chance to stand on the podium. Muñoz made his podium return, landing third spot in a thrilling start to race day.
Angel Piqueras (Leopard Racing) bagged fourth at the line after a phenomenal ride in the closing stages of the Grand Prix. The #36 finished ahead of fellow Honda rider Lunetta, with the Italian rounding out the top five positions. Lunetta continues his impressive form, crossing the flag in front of Holgado, who recovered to a strong sixth. Tatsuki Suzuki finished as the sole Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP rider in seventh as Joel Kelso (BOE Motorsports) grabbed eighth at the flag.
Meanwhile, Ortola recovered to ninth after serving his penalties as Nicola Carraro (LEVELUP – MTA) took the final spot inside the top 10. The #10 was 0.010s behind Ortola in a huge group, which saw Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) take 11th and Matteo Bertelle (Kopron Rivacold Snipers Team) take 12th as the final points went the way of Scott Ogden (FleetSafe Honda – MLav Racing), Joel Esteban (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) and Stefano Nepa (LEVELUP – MTA).
I can’t put it into words. It took a lot of effort, hard work and time, but we have finally made it. It hasn’t been an easy road, but I can finally say that I have achieved my first podium in the World Championship. We are working in the right direction, and we have finally put in a solid weekend. We really needed it, and I’m happy to say that I have done it with Le0pard, the team that trusted me when I was at home. We took a weight off our shoulders today, but now we have to keep working like this for the remaining rounds of the season.
Adrian Fernandez – P2
Riccardo Rossi – NC
Today was an unlucky day for me. I had a good start, gained positions, and was closing the gap to the riders in front. Unfortunately, a collision with another rider caused me to crash. Although I experienced some pain in my shoulder, a visit to the medical center revealed no serious injury. I hope to be ready for the next race in Japan. Moving forward, we’ll work harder and push from the start to achieve our goals.
Tatchakorn Buasri – NC
Click the button below to find out all the images of the #KytCrew during the weekend in Indonesia.