Moto3 Germany Race: Deniz Öncü's masterpiece

Can anyone overcome Ayumu Sasaki (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) in Germany? Apparently, Deniz Öncü. A few minutes before departure, there was no doubt; the Japanese was the arch favorite to win his first victory this season. Author of a lap a full second faster than the second in qualifying, he seemed so strong, at least in terms of pure speed. Because let's remember: on Sunday, he struggled to convert the attempt, which was not the case for Daniel Holgado (Red Bull KTM Tech3), leader of the Moto3 world championship and winner at Mugello. Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo), even though he was knocked off the post in Tuscany, remained a serious contender for victory from second position on the grid. We should not omit Iván Ortolá (KTM Angeluss MTA Team), winner twice this season, and who enjoyed a good place (3rd) before the start.

Finally, it is Deniz Oncu who took the best of the Moto3 field at the end of a breathtaking race. Here is a table that summarizes the known facts:

 

Germany Sachsenring Moto3™	2022	2023
P1	1'26.459 Izan Guevara	1'25.840 Ayumu Sasaki
P2	1'26.363 Tatsuki Suzuki	1'38.972 Matteo Bertelle
P3	1'25.925 Izan Guevara	1'40.923 Xavi Artigas
Q1	1'26.806 Adrian Fernandez	1'27.429 David Munoz
Q2	1'25.869 Izan Guevara	1'25.130 Ayumu Sasaki
Warm Up	1'26.781 Izan Guevara
Course	Guevara, Foggia, Garcia	Öncü, Sasaki, Holgado
All time lap record	1'25.869 Izan Guevara 2022	1'25.130 Ayumu Sasaki

 

For this Moto3 race, the conditions are optimal, a little over 20°C in the air, and there are few clouds in the German sky. Let's go for 23 laps of an intense race as possible.

Amazing ! When the lights go out, it’s a Husqvarna that takes the lead. holeshot, but not the one we expected! the rookie Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Intact GP) takes off best but is quickly swallowed by Ayumu Sasaki et Deniz Öncü, who even attempts a more than daring overtaking in the first turns. Ayumu Sasaki is fast, very fast. At the end of the second lap, his closest competitor was behind by almost half a second. Unfortunately, Collin Veijer fall, probably too much above its usual pace. We can only welcome his commitment, the Dutchman will come back stronger. Relive the start of the Moto3 race in Germany here:

 

 

Daniel Holgado is still well placed, now second after a small error from the Turkish driver. Sasaki manages to open a gap, or at least not to be caught. Behind him, a group of three pilots formed consisting of Daniel Holgado, Deniz Öncü et Iván Ortolá. David Muñoz (KTM Boé Motorsports), who started last, is forced to perform a long-lap due to an old penalty. The Spanish driver is not spoiled for his return, but is pushing to come back.

 

 

At the end of the 6th round, Ayumu Sasaki enjoys a second and a half ahead of the world championship leader. Clearly, the Japanese has been on another planet since the start of the weekend. In addition, the chasing group bickers, which does its business. Deniz Öncü, now second, immediately breaks away from Holgado and Ortolá. It even seems that he will quickly return to the Husqvarna rider. There is no doubt that the KTM official is thinking about his potential first career victory, which he should have bagged at Mugello.

 

 

Deniz Oncu gets closer, tirelessly. In less time than it takes to write it, there it is in the same second asAyumu Sasaki. No one can keep up with the two thieves in front, not even Daniel Holgado, winner of the last two Grands Prix. The Sachsenring, in Moto3, always has big surprises in store, so let's wait before saying anything. Let us take advantage of this moment to note the great performance of Ryusei Yamanaka (Gaviota GasGas Aspar Moto3), clinched, but in the fight with David Alonso (Gaviota GasGas Aspar Moto3) and Diogo Moreira (KTM MT Helmets MSi), who, moreover, is more timid in these last races.

 

 

In Moto3, escaping is particularly difficult. With 11 laps to go, Deniz Oncu clocks in at less than four tenths of a second. It's obvious ; the Turk will “return” to Sasaki, it's just a matter of time. Obviously, victory will be between these two heroes; the Turk is 8,3 seconds ahead of third, seven laps from presenting the checkered flag.

 

 

Where can he attack? The possibilities are slim in Germany, but in Moto3, even a small space is enough. Öncü observe, for a moment. There's no point in rushing, there's still time, and overtaking too early isn't always the right solution if you're not sure you'll be able to escape.

 

 

Status Quo three rounds from the end. Is Deniz saving himself for an attack on the last lap, maybe in the last two corners? A risky strategy, but one that can prove effective. The problem is thatAyumu Sasaki manages to brake the bike without wasting time at the foot of the Waterfall, at the approach to the penultimate turn, a fairly fast left. Here, the Turk is not quite in contact. In addition, Deniz also has to take care of his bad leg, which makes for some impressive images!

 

 

While the fall of Matthew Bertelli (Honda Snipers Team), the world has its eyes glued to this high-intensity duel. Sasaki defends, and very well in the first part of the round. Obviously, this will play out in the last sector. In the last turn, Deniz attempts a blockpass on the rope, his last hope, and it happens! He takes the first victory of his career, but Ayumu Sasaki can blame himself because there was surely a way to better protect the interior of this final turning point. What a masterpiece! Daniel Holgado also performed well from 3rd place, and kept the lead in the Moto3 world championship.

 

 

Ayumu Sasaki was beaten by less than a hundredth of a second, even though he had led since turn 5. What a victory for the Ajo driver, a great revenge after the disillusionment at Mugello.

Moto3 German Grand Prix qualifying results:

 

 

Moto3 Germany rankings credit: MotoGP.com

Cover photo: Red Bull KTM Ajo