David Alonso (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) continues to etch his name into the history books at the PT Grand Prix of Thailand, securing a 12th victory of the season and creating history as the rider to win the most races in one season in the lightweight class. Rain or shine, Alonso proved to be in the mix, charging to win by 0.353s from Luca Lunetta (SIC58 Squadra Corse) after the Italian found incredible pace in tricky conditions. Lunetta was impressive as Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) grabbed the final spot on the podium after a dramatic run to the line.
It was declared a wet race start, meaning a reduced distance of 12 laps and an opportunity for the Moto3™ field to complete multiple sighting laps after every session throughout the weekend was dry. It was a choice of tyres on the grid, with the majority of the field opting for slicks as Joel Kelso (BOE Motorsports) claimed the holeshot and stormed into the lead at Turn 1.
It was a dramatic start, with Veijer not waiting long to pounce – stealing the lead from the Australian. The #66 responded on lap, bunching up the lead group as Ivan Ortola (MT Helmets – MSI) created opportunities after carving his way inside the top five. The #48 attacked Kelso early after the polesitter was demoted to P5 after a tough Lap 3.
Meanwhile, it was soon Alonso’s time to shine as spots of rain fell onto the circuit. The Colombian snatched the lead on Lap 4, setting sights on a 12th win of the season and the opportunity to create history in Thailand. Alonso had steep competition on his hands as Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia), who had his first opportunity in P1 and began to put the hammer down.
Lunetta began to make inroads, catching the back of the lead group after a stunning pace. The Italian soon began to duel with Veijer as the #58 set sights on the podium. There was then drama at the front for the Leopard Racing squad, with Angel Piqueras and Adrian Fernandez colliding on Lap 11.
It was a grandstand finish, with Ortola and Alonso going head-to-head on the 12th and final lap. Alonso made the move stick, storming to glory in Thailand as Lunetta and Veijer were able to pinch the podium from Ortola, who ran wide at the final corner. Furusato had a disappointing end, crashing on the run to the line after contact with the #95.
Fourth place was taken by Ortola, unable to hold onto the podium after a difficult final corner. Furusato rounded out the top five after suffering a fall to the line, with David Muñoz (BOE Motorsports) chasing behind in sixth – battling his way from P17 on the grid. Muñoz pipped teammate Kelso to the line as Scott Ogden (FleetSafe Honda – MLav Racing) took the flag in a strong eighth.
Further back, Stefano Nepa (LEVELUP – MTA) and Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP’s Tatsuki Suzuki rounded out a competitive top 10. The #24 was ahead of compatriot Ryusei Yamanaka in 11th, with Daniel Holgado (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3), Riccardo Rossi (CIP Green Power), Filippo Farioli (SIC58 Squadra Corse) and Red Bull KTM Ajo’s Jose Antonio Rueda scoring the final points on Sunday.
