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Historic Wins Mark Japanese Grand Prix for Moto3 and Moto2

David Alonso achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first Colombian to win a motorcycle world championship, clinching the Moto3 title at the Japanese Grand Prix. Meanwhile, Manuel Gonzalez’s late-race strategy led him to victory in Moto2, as a well-timed tire choice during unexpected rain played a crucial role in his success.

The Moto3 race, held at the famous Motegi circuit, began with Alonso looking to secure his title with four races left in the season. Entering the race with a commanding 97-point lead over Daniel Holgado of Tech3, Alonso understood that a win would ensure he couldn’t be caught by Holgado or other contenders like Ivan Ortola and Collin Veijer.

Alonso’s start from the front row was not as flawless as he had hoped. Despite briefly taking second place, he quickly slid down to sixth within the first few laps. Ortola, who had started from pole position, initially led the race until Adrian Fernandez surged ahead on lap three, overtaking both Ortola and Holgado with a daring move at Turn 5.

The trio of Fernandez, Holgado, and Ortola commanded the lead initially, joined by Angel Piqueras and Ryusei Yamanaka, while Alonso found his rhythm in the background. By lap nine, the Colombian began to demonstrate his pace, setting the fastest lap of the race as he climbed back up the positions.

By lap twelve, Alonso had reached second place, successfully passing multiple riders. After a crash involving Piqueras, the leading group was narrowed down to five riders. A key moment arose when Fernandez made a braking error, allowing Alonso to seize the lead for the first time. Though Ortola looked poised to challenge on the penultimate lap, he fell at Turn 10, leaving Alonso with a comfortable lead to take the checkered flag and the championship title.

The final standings saw Veijer finishing second ahead of Fernandez, while Holgado and Jose Antonio Rueda rounded out the top five.

Moto3 Japanese GP – Race Results:

1. D. Alonso (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team)

2. C. Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP)

3. A. Fernandez (Leopard Racing)

4. D. Holgado (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3)

5. J. Antonio (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing)

Gonzalez Triumphs in Moto2 with Late Move

The Moto2 race also began in dry conditions but quickly changed when rain began to fall shortly after the lights went out. Polesitter Jake Dixon initially led the race, but the heavy rain forced a red flag and a restart, reducing the race distance to 12 laps.

The restart offered a fresh chance for riders like Zonta van den Goorbergh and Izan Guevara, who had lost ground on the first lap. Dixon again launched into the lead, but it soon became clear that many riders, including Dixon and Guevara, had opted for wet tires as the track dried rapidly.

Those who chose slick tires, including Gonzalez, Ai Ogura, Filip Salac, and others, quickly began to assert themselves on the track. Ogura notably made fast progress from 14th to 11th within just a few laps and soon found himself leading. However, Gonzalez, finding his rhythm, moved into second place and closed in on Ogura.

By lap nine, Gonzalez passed Ogura at Turn 9, taking the lead and ultimately the victory. Ogura settled for second, ensuring he accumulated valuable points while his title rivals struggled behind. Salac managed to secure third place, narrowly beating Alcoba, with van den Goorbergh finishing fifth.

Moto2 Japanese GP – Race Results:

1. M. Gonzalez (QJMOTOR Gresini Moto2)

2. A. Ogura (MTI Helmets-MSI)

3. F. Salac (Marc VDS)

4. J. Alcoba (VR46)

5. Z. van den Goorbergh (RW-Idrofoglia Racing GP)

Source
www.autosport.com