#ITALIANGP – MOTO3: ALONSO FENDS OFF VEIJER AS ORTOLA SUFFERS A LATE CRASH
It was a sensational ride from David Alonso (CFMOTO Valresa Aspar Team), who took victory at the iconic Gran Premio d’Italia Brembo in a reduced-distance Grand Prix. However, the Colombian did not have it easy with Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) charging hard late in the race – finishing 0.142s away from victory. Ryusei Yamanaka (MT Helmets – MSI) was third after claiming an emotional maiden Moto3™ podium after a strong showing and a dramatic last lap.
Before that however, it was polesitter Alonso who took the holeshot on the first start after a perfect launch, leading on the field on the exit of San Donato with Ivan Ortola (MT Helmets – MSI) on his tail. The rest of the field filtered through behind with Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia) in third before he was soon overtaken by Veijer – taking the fastest lap in the process. However, there was a crash involving Xabi Zurutuza (Red Bull KTM Ajo) and Filippo Farioli (SIC58 Squadra Corse) on lap three – bringing out the red flag with both riders conscious.
On the second start, it was an identical launch for Alonso and Ortola, who led the field through the opening sector. However, not everyone would make it through San Donato with Red Bull KTM Ajo’s Jose Antonio Rueda and Stefano Nepa (LEVELUP – MTA) crashing on the opening lap after contact with Daniel Holgado (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) – the #96 was given a double Long Lap. Tatsuki Suzuki (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) would also have a crash of his own at the end of the first lap.
Meanwhile, at the front, the lead changed for the first time with Veijer hitting the front as Alonso was pushed back to fourth as the Italian GP began to heat up. However, the #80 soon hit the front with the lead changing on every lap with seven laps remaining. The pace would continue to build with Veijer having other plans as the Dutchman retook the lead before dropping to sixth with work to do with four laps remaining.
With Yamanaka now stealing second, Alonso took the opportunity to shoot off into the distance – stretching the gap to over half a second. The #80 put together a perfect lap and with Yamanaka fighting with teammate Ortola it allowed Veijer through – resulting in a thrilling penultimate lap.
It all came down to the final lap with Veijer setting a sensational pace – closing the gap in every sector. Ortola would crash out at Correntaio, able to remount but quickly all eyes turned to Veijer who gave it everything and even with a slingshot out of the final corner, the #95 came out second best – it was yet another Alonso victory. The final position was hotly contested with Yamanaka securing third, while teammate Ortola still crossed the line in sixth.
Missing out on a podium was Furusato, who showed great consistency at Mugello after a race-long battle. Behind the #72 was BOE Motorsports’ David Muñoz, taking the final spot inside the top five to finish in front of the recovering Ortola in sixth. The Spaniard was ahead of Luca Lunetta (SIC58 Squadra Corse), who took the honours as the top Honda in seventh, with Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing) claiming eighth. Rookie Jacob Roulstone (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) was ninth ahead of Kopron Rivacold Sniper Team’s Matteo Bertelle – rounding out the top 10.
IT’S BEEN A DIFFICULT RACE AS WE HAD TO MAKE OUR WAY UP FROM 17TH ON THE GRID, AND IN THE END, AFTER THE RED FLAG, WE WERE ABLE TO FINISH IN 8TH PLACE. WE STILL HAVE A LOT OF THINGS TO WORK ON AHEAD OF ASSEN. WE WILL MAKE THE MOST OF THIS SHORT BREAK TO ANALYSE EVERYTHING AND SEE WHERE WE CAN IMPROVE.
ADRIAN FERNANDEZ – P12
THE FIRST START OF THE RACE WAS REALLY GOOD. I WAS IN A FAST GROUP BEFORE THEY BROUGHT OUT THE RED FLAG. MY SECOND START WASN’T AS GOOD AND I WAS WAITING FOR THE LAST LAP TO GIVE EVERYTHING TO GET BACK IN FRONT, BUT AT TURN 2 ANOTHER DRIVER PUSHED ME OFF THE LINE. IT’S A SHAME BECAUSE I COULD HAVE FINISHED 7TH. I’M NOW GOING TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE LONG BREAK TO RECOVER WELL AND COME BACK EVEN STRONGER IN ASSEN.
RICCARDO ROSSI – P11
TATCHAKORN BUASRI – 24
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