Moto3 Sunday Emilia-Romagna

Back on top: Alonso fends off Piqueras for eighth win of 2024

David Alonso Dominates for Eighth Win of 2024 at Emilia-Romagna GP

David Alonso (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) delivered a stunning performance at the Emilia-Romagna GP, securing his eighth win of the 2024 season and solidifying his lead in the championship. The Colombian rider fought off fierce competition in a thrilling lightweight class race, ultimately finishing ahead of Angel Piqueras (Leopard Racing) in second, and Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) in third. Daniel Holgado (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) initially crossed the line in P3 but was demoted to fourth for exceeding track limits on the final lap.

Race Start: Drama at Turn 2

Pole-sitter Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia) got a brilliant start and grabbed the holeshot, but trouble struck early at Turn 2. David Muñoz (BOE Motorsports) collided with Stefano Nepa (LEVELUP – MTA) for the second consecutive week, dropping out of contention. Despite the setback, Muñoz managed to rejoin the race and completed his double Long Lap penalty. Meanwhile, Alonso quickly worked his way to the front by the end of Lap 1, with Holgado charging from P11 to P5.

Mid-Race Battles: Lead Changes and Close Fights

By Lap 5, Holgado had taken the lead for the first time, with Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing) in P2, and Piqueras close behind in third. Alonso sat in fourth, followed by Furusato and Veijer in a tightly packed group of 14 riders.

Piqueras briefly led with 14 laps remaining, but a near-miss a few laps later cost him valuable positions. Furusato then made contact with Fernandez while attempting an aggressive move at Turn 14, shuffling both riders down the order. Fernandez fell to P7, while Furusato dropped to P11.

Final Laps: Alonso Strikes Back

With nine laps to go, Alonso regained the lead and picked up the pace, breaking away slightly from the pack. Holgado, Piqueras, and Veijer clung onto his tail, while Luca Lunetta (SIC58 Squadra Corse) and Ivan Ortola (MT Helmets – MSI) were further back by nearly a second.

As the race neared its conclusion, four riders remained in contention for the podium. Holgado made the first big move at Turn 14 on the penultimate lap, overtaking Alonso, with Piqueras following closely.

On the final lap, the drama intensified. Holgado held the lead until Turn 8, where Alonso made a bold move, overtaking both Holgado and Piqueras in one swift maneuver. The Colombian executed a flawless final half-lap to claim victory, with Piqueras taking second and Holgado crossing the line third. However, Holgado’s track limits violation in the final corner promoted Veijer to the podium in P3.

Final Standings and Championship Outlook

Ortola finished in fifth, unable to catch the leading group, while Lunetta narrowly beat Joel Kelso (BOE Motorsports) for P6. Fernandez’s early speed faded as he finished in eighth, just ahead of Matteo Bertelle (Kopron Rivacold Snipers) and Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo), who completed the top 10.

Tatsuki Suzuki (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) and Filippo Farioli (SIC58 Squadra Corse) finished in P11 and P12, respectively. Furusato, after receiving a Long Lap penalty, managed P13, with Nepa and Ryusei Yamanaka (MT Helmets – MSI) taking the final points in P14 and P15.

Looking Ahead: Alonso Extends His Championship Lead

Heading into the next round in Lombok, Indonesia, Alonso now enjoys a commanding 82-point lead over Holgado and an 83-point advantage over Veijer in the Championship standings. With such a dominant lead, Alonso is in prime position as the season nears its conclusion.

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