David Alonso won the FIM Moto3 World Championship race Sunday at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, in Spain. Using his Pirelli-shod Valresa Aspar Team CFMOTO, the Colombian won the 18-lap race by just 0.147 second.
Spaniard Dani Holgado was the runner-up on his Red Bull GASGAS Tech3 machine.
Angel Piqueras was third by 1.210 second behind Alonso.
More, from a press release issued by Dorna:
Alonso seals Moto3™ legacy with a stunning 14th victory of the season. The Colombian secured an astonishing win after an incredible performance to beat Holgado and Piqueras at the Solidarity GP.
David Alonso (CFMOTO Valresa Aspar Team) claimed victory at the Motul Solidarity Grand Prix of Barcelona, delivering a masterclass on a truly special weekend as we went #RacingForValencia. Alonso claimed a 14th win of the season, etching his name into the history books once more after claiming glory by a mere 0.147s. The Colombian worked hard throughout the Grand Prix, maintaining composure to beat Daniel Holgado (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3). The Spaniard rounded off a brilliant season in second place, beating Angel Piqueras (Leopard Racing), who was promoted to the podium after a late penalty for his teammate.
Once the lights went out, Alonso took the holeshot after a phenomenal launch from pole position. The #80 seized an advantage over Ivan Ortola (MT Helmets – MSI) and Holgado as the final Grand Prix of the season got underway. David Muñoz (BOE Motorsports) was the rider on the move in the opening laps, with the #64 charging to fourth after qualifying P12 on the grid. Muñoz soon joined the podium battle, overtaking Ortola before pipping Alonso to enter second place on Lap 3.
Meanwhile, it was an early end to the season for Stefano Nepa (LEVELUP – MTA), with the #82 suffering a crash on the opening lap – rider OK. Nepa would retire to the pitlane, with Luca Lunetta (SIC58 Squadra Corse) handed a double Long Lap penalty – dropping the Italian outside of the points
It was a slipstream city at the front, with positions changing hands at every opportunity, to the delight of the Spanish crowd. Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing) emerged as the contender for the lead, beginning to engage in a fierce duel with Holgado. Meanwhile, Alonso sat comfortably in eighth position, waiting for his opportunity to return to the podium fight.
There was action at every turn as Alonso worked hard to slowly carve his way through the field. Taking advantage of Ortola’s and Muñoz’ battle, the #80 was able to surge into second position. The Colombian was chasing a remarkable 14th win of the season, with tension mounting as he retook the lead on Lap 14.
The gloves were off in the closing laps, with elbows out throughout the top 10 as the season finale prepared to go down to the wire. Alonso had the lead on the final lap, securing a three-tenth margin after the front group continued to battle behind. Holgado was in pursuit, looking to find an opportunity on the newly crowned World Champion.
At the line, Alonso powered out of the final corner to win by a mere 0.147s ahead of Holgado. The #96 gave his all on the final all of the final lap, unable to catch Alonso as Holgado took another podium to secure second position in the World Championship. Meanwhile, Piqueras took the final spot on the podium after a shortcut from Fernandez on the final lap.
Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull Ajo) turned around his weekend, fighting from P17 on the grid to second – beating Ryusei Yamanaka (MT Helmets – MSI), who rounded out the top five in Barcelona. The #6 was promoted ahead of Muñoz, who was demoted one position due to irresponsible riding on the final lap. Muñoz ended the Grand Prix ahead of Honda Team Asia’s Taiyo Furusato and Jacob Roulstone (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3), who took P8.
Further back, Ortola and Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) rounded out the top 10 positions. Fernandez was dropped down to 11th after his three-second penalty, finishing ahead of Joel Kelso (BOE Motorsports) and Tatsuki Suzuki (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP). Meanwhile, Kopron Rivacold Snipers Team’s David Almansa and Matteo Bertelle took the final point-scoring positions after a remarkable Sunday.
And with that, the 2024 Moto3™ World Championship reaches a thrilling conclusion after an incredible season. Alonso finishes the year on a high note, showcasing his remarkable talent on a special weekend. With numerous changes on the horizon, be sure to stay updated on the off-season action on motogp.com!