Moto 3 Thailand Sunday 2024

Alonso rewrites the record books as Lunetta and Veijer take dramatic late podiums

David Alonso of the CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team keeps making history, claiming his 12th victory of the season at the PT Grand Prix of Thailand and officially setting a new record for the most wins in a single lightweight class season. Alonso’s achievement surpassed Valentino Rossi’s 1997 record, with the Colombian clinching the win by just a few tenths over rookie Luca Lunetta (SIC58 Squadra Corse). Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) completed the podium after a dramatic charge to the finish line, where contact with Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia) made for a nail-biting end.

A Race of Strategy and Surprises

The race was declared wet, prompting a shorter 12-lap distance and multiple sighting laps for the Moto3™ field, though all previous sessions had been dry. By lights out, nearly every rider chose slick tires except Eddie O’Shea (FleetSafe Honda – MLav Racing), making for a strategic start under uncertain conditions.

Pole-sitter Joel Kelso (BOE Motorsports) seized the holeshot and took an early lead into Turn 1, but Collin Veijer quickly challenged him for the top spot. The two went back and forth as Ivan Ortola (MT Helmets – MSI) surged forward, joining the front group and setting up a series of close duels. Despite some early success, Kelso was pushed down to fifth by Lap 3, marking a tough start for the Australian.

Alonso Shines in Changing Conditions

With light rain spots appearing on the circuit, Alonso made his move on Lap 4, taking the lead and aiming for a historic win in Thailand. His ambitions were challenged as Furusato briefly took control, pushing hard at the front. But Alonso stayed resilient, even as Lunetta and Veijer gained ground, adding pressure from behind.

As the race neared its end, Angel Piqueras and Adrian Fernandez of Leopard Racing collided on Lap 11, creating more separation in the leading pack.

Last-Lap Drama

On the 12th and final lap, Alonso and Ortola engaged in a fierce head-to-head, with Alonso ultimately holding his position and taking the win. Behind him, Lunetta and Veijer capitalized on Ortola running wide at the final corner, moving into podium positions. In a stunning finish, Veijer and Furusato made contact, causing Furusato to crash just before the finish line. Thankfully, he was unharmed and classified in fifth behind Ortola.

Other Standouts and Key Performances

David Muñoz (BOE Motorsports) impressed by racing from P17 on the grid to finish sixth, just ahead of teammate Kelso. Scott Ogden (FleetSafe Honda – MLav Racing) crossed the line in eighth, while Stefano Nepa (LEVELUP – MTA) and Tatsuki Suzuki (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) rounded out the top ten. Ryusei Yamanaka followed in 11th, with Daniel Holgado, Riccardo Rossi, Filippo Farioli, and rookie Jacob Roulstone (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) filling out the remaining points spots after a penalty dropped Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) down the order.

With two rounds left in the season, Alonso has the chance to extend his record even further. The next stop in Malaysia will reveal if the Colombian star can add to his already groundbreaking season.