David Alonso secured his third career win in the Moto3 World Championship this Sunday. In yet another thrilling race, the South American rider clinched the win in the final corners of the San Marino GP at Misano.
A strong start for Ayumu Sasaki (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP), who took the lead ahead of Jaume Masiá (Leopard Racing/Honda). However, the pole position holder quickly returned to the front in the first corners. Kaito Toba (SIC58 Squadra Corse/Honda) also joined the battle for the podium, along with Diogo Moreira (MT Helmets-MSi/KTM) and David Alonso (Gaviota GasGas Aspar).
— MotoGP™
@jaume_masia retakes the lead!
And he's already trying to open a gap!#SanMarinoGP
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(@MotoGP) September 10, 2023
While several riders were constantly swapping positions in the battle for second place, Masiá managed to create some gap. His pace was strong and often superior to his competitors. Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo) moved up to second place, leading a second group of riders in contention.
The trend at the front changed from the fifth lap onwards when Öncü set a new race lap record and closed the gap to less than one second. With Moreira right behind, a trio emerged in the battle for the lead.
Behind you, Jaume!
— MotoGP™@Denizoncu53 has caught @jaume_masia!
#SanMarinoGP
The front group was becoming increasingly compact, with the top six riders separated by less than a second with 12 laps to go. New leader with ten laps left, as Öncü passed Masiá. The Spaniard was then overtaken by David Muñoz (BOE Motorsports/KTM) and Alonso – quickly recovering his position against the Colombian.
Öncü, Masiá, Alonso, and Muñoz distanced themselves in the top four positions in the last ten laps.
David
— MotoGP™David!
Alonso slots into 3rd after setting the best race lap#SanMarinoGP
On the penultimate lap, Muñoz lost contact with Öncü, Masiá, and Alonso, leaving them to battle for the win. Three corners from the finish, Alonso took profit of the duel between Öncü and Masiá: he overtook both rivals grabbing the lead for good to win the race. Masiá finished closely behind the Colombian, while Öncü took third place.
— MotoGP™
HE DOES IT AGAIN! David Alonso wins a last-lap thriller…again!
Muñoz and Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) completed the top five. After initially being in the podium hunt, Sasaki finished seventh and Moreira only in 12th place. Daniel Holgado (Red Bull KTM Tech3), the championship leader, lost valuable points by failing to get into the top 15, crossing the finish line in 16th place.
