David Alonso (CFMOTO Valresa Aspar Team) delivered a masterclass at the Motul Solidarity Grand Prix of Barcelona, securing his seventh pole position of the season with a record-breaking lap of 1:45.905 in Moto3™ qualifying.
The Colombian phenom became the first rider to break into the 1:45 bracket in the Moto3™ class, showcasing his dominance as the 2024 season approaches its finale.
Alonso’s blistering lap left a 0.347-second gap to his nearest rival, Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP), who had an impressive session but couldn’t match the Colombian’s pace. Veijer secured second on the grid after a strong final run, while Ivan Ortola (MT Helmets – MSI) completed the front row, just 0.371 seconds off the pole time.
The day began with fireworks in Practice 2, where Ortola topped the timesheets ahead of Alonso, both riders pushing the limits to secure their Q2 spots. Q1 was equally thrilling, with Tatsuki Suzuki (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) leading the charge to join Q2 alongside Matteo Bertelle (Kopron Rivacold Snipers Team), Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia), and Ryusei Yamanaka (MT Helmets – MSI).
In Q2, Alonso wasted no time, smashing the lap record on his first flying lap with a 1:46.026 before further improving to solidify his pole position. Veijer and Ortola played their tactical cards in the closing moments, but Alonso’s incredible pace was unmatchable.
Angel Piqueras (Leopard Racing), the top Honda rider, will lead the second row in fourth, followed by Daniel Holgado (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) and Luca Lunetta (SIC58 Squadra Corse), who continued his stellar season.
The third row sees Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing) starting seventh despite a late crash at Turn 5. He will be joined by Furusato and Jacob Roulstone (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3). Yamanaka, who advanced from Q1, will start from 15th, needing to make significant gains in Sunday’s race.
With Alonso in pole position and multiple title contenders battling for supremacy, the Moto3™ race promises edge-of-the-seat action. Lights go out at 11:00 local time (UTC +1) as the paddock heads into its final showdown of the year, with #RacingForValencia taking center stage.
Top 10 Qualifiers:
- David Alonso (CFMOTO Valresa Aspar Team): 1:45.905
- Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP): +0.347
- Ivan Ortola (MT Helmets – MSI): +0.371
- Angel Piqueras (Leopard Racing): +0.568
- Daniel Holgado (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3): +0.645
- Luca Lunetta (SIC58 Squadra Corse): +0.670
- Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing): +0.773
- Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia): +0.875
- Jacob Roulstone (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3): +0.909
- Tatsuki Suzuki (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP): +0.948
Credit Photo : MotoGP
