David Alonso, a Colombian rider of Spanish descent, powered to his fourth win of the season on the final lap, sealing victory on the last corner at the Chang International Circuit in Buriram during the Moto3 Thailand Grand Prix.
On the podium with Alonso was Taiyo Furusato from Japan, riding for Honda. This marked Furusato’s first career podium, joining the World Championship leader from Spain and pushing Dutch rider Collin Veijer (Husqvarna) into a strong third place. Jaume Masiá, also on a Honda, finished in fourth. Masiá held 230 points in the standings, while Daniel Holgado (KTM) moved into third with 213 points despite a challenging start to the race, and Ayumu Sasaki moving to fourth with 205 points as the race progressed. Holgado battled to climb after an early setback to finish sixth.
The season has seen notable changes, including a shortened schedule that now spans 22 rounds with 19 rounds to contest in a year. The adjustment spurred a more aggressive start from many riders. Deniz Öncü of Turkey, riding a KTM, did not concede the lead early and was soon challenged by Sasaki of Japan, who had started behind Moreira of Brazil. Masiá was quick to respond after Alonso, who began the race twelfth, surged to fifth by the end of the opening lap.
In the early stages, Diogo Moreira led the field at the first lap, followed by Masiá, Öncü, Sasaki, Alonso, Furusato, Veijer, Ortolá, and other favorites including David Muñoz and others. The race atmosphere grew tense as the field jostled for position and momentum.
Abandonment after abandonment
Muñoz, who had already shown potential by finishing sixth in the second round, faced mechanical problems that disrupted his run. Sasaki endured a difficult moment when a problem struck, while Holgado experienced a dramatic issue as his gear shift failed at turn ten, sending him off track and tumbling down the order after a near collision with Ortolá. The incident forced Ortolá to avoid the accident and left both riders out of contention. Muñoz attempted to continue but ultimately retired after consulting with his team.
This string of misfortunes gave Sasaki a brief respite and allowed Spanish rider Jaume Masiá to widen his championship lead by the third lap. The competition remained open with much racing still ahead. A larger group began to form behind the leaders, and José Antonio Rueda of KTM led this chase as the main battle for positions intensified. Holgado showed speed by moving up from twenty-third to eighteenth while posting the race’s fastest lap, signaling a strong pace from the KTM squad.
By the sixth lap, Veijer held the lead ahead of Moreira and Alonso, with Masiá, Furusato, Öncü, Bertelle, Ortolá, and Yamanaka following in pursuit. A pursuing pack of eighteen riders formed behind the top group as the leading trio broke away and the rest battled for positions. Riccardo Rossi, Honda’s rider who has trained under a legendary mentor, Paolo Simoncelli, became a catalyst for the chasing group as he forced a regrouping and tightened the midfield contention.
leak in head
As the race progressed, the battle among the front runners intensified. Five riders emerged as primary contenders: Furusato, Masiá, Alonso, Öncü, and Veijer with Ortolá and others close in tow. On the fifteenth lap, Alonso seized the initiative and attempted to accelerate the pace, but Veijer responded swiftly, keeping Alonso within striking distance. The title contenders maintained pressure as the front of the field circulated in a tight train, exchanging positions lap after lap.
The main pack remained highly condensed, with overtakes frequent and margins razor-thin. Veijer continued to press the pace, while Masiá and Holgado sought opportunities to pierce the leading group. The race atmosphere was electric, with each rider knowing that one mistake could alter the entire championship landscape.
The throttle data and riding lines showed a race where planning and execution mattered as much as speed. Entering the final stretch, the leading group remained very close, and it was clear that the outcome would hinge on the last few corners. Alonso, sensing an opportunity, braked decisively into the final corner, closing the gap on the inside. The maneuver unsettled his rivals and allowed him to complete a daring pass. Masiá, who had been a strong podium challenger, found himself squeezed and slid to fourth, while Furusato and Veijer finished close behind in a tight podium sequence. Holgado delivered a memorable comeback to secure sixth place, a testament to his perseverance.
From the results, Ortolá ended in eleventh, with Moreira in thirteenth behind Artigas and Fernández. Vicente Pérez, standing in for the injured Ana Carrasco, finished eighteenth, rounding out the final positions of the race. The Thailand Grand Prix at Buriram delivered a dramatic chapter in the Moto3 season, underscoring the volatility and excitement that define the championship this year [Citation: MotoGP official results].