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Ogura Secures Moto2 World Championship in Thailand
Ai Ogura has officially claimed the 2024 Moto2 World Championship title with two races remaining, finishing in second place behind Aron Canet at the Chang International Circuit in Thailand. Meanwhile, David Alonso continued to make headlines in Moto3, achieving a record-breaking 12th victory of the season.
As Ogura approached the Thai Grand Prix, he had the opportunity to secure his first world title, needing only a podium finish to clinch it. Canet, Ogura’s closest competitor, did his part by winning the race, but Ogura maintained composure and finished third, ensuring that his championship success was a certain outcome.
Ogura’s path to victory was not without challenges; he found himself as low as seventh during the early laps after a collision on the first lap. However, he skillfully maneuvered through the pack to end the race in a strong second position, trailing only Canet. With this achievement, Ogura not only becomes the first Japanese rider to win an intermediate class title since Hiroshi Aoyama’s success in 2009 but also brings home the championship for MT Helmets-MSI in their inaugural Moto2 season.
Additionally, after 12 years of Kalex’s dominance in the Moto2 category, this title marks the first win with the Speed Up-engineered Boscoscuro chassis.
While Canet’s aspirations for the title may have faded, his impressive performance saw him clinch his second victory in four races, solidifying his position as the runner-up in the championship standings. Canet dominated the race from start to finish, achieving a victory margin of 2.5 seconds over Ogura, with Marcos Ramirez from American Racing earning his second career podium in third place.
The race concluded under heightened tension due to a red flag with three laps remaining, yet local favorite Somkiat Chantra showcased a strong finish, securing fourth place. Rookie Diogo Moreira completed the top five.
Moto2 Thailand GP – Race Results:
Alonso Breaks Record in Moto3
David Alonso, CFMOTO Aspar Team
In the Moto3 category, David Alonso made headlines by surpassing Valentino Rossi’s 27-year-old record for the most wins in a single season with his impressive 12th victory. This win came during a tightly contested race involving a leading group of five riders, where Alonso managed to outpace his competitors in a shortened 12-lap race.
Alonso’s triumph not only marks his fifth win of the season, but it also breaks Rossi’s previous record of 11 victories achieved during Rossi’s 1997 125GP championship. This accomplishment underscores Alonso’s dominance throughout the current Moto3 season.
Despite challenging wet track conditions, Alonso demonstrated remarkable skill, making strategic moves to surge to the front with four laps remaining. His main rivals, Luca Lunetta and Collin Veijer, finished in second and third, respectively, taking advantage of an incident involving Ivan Ortola, who went wide into the last corner and lost his chance for a podium.
In a surprising turn, Taiyo Furusato experienced a dramatic finish, crossing the line separated from his bike after an incident with Veijer. Despite the unusual conclusion, he was eventually classified in fifth place behind Ortola.
Further back, David Munoz and Joel Kelso secured sixth and seventh places, respectively, after the Leopard Honda duo of Adrian Fernandez and Angel Piqueras crashed out during the final lap. Scott Ogden also celebrated a personal achievement, finishing in eighth place for the MLav Racing Honda team.
Moto3 Thailand GP – Race Results:
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