Moto3 Austria Race: Impossible to breathe! Deniz Öncü wins on the line!

Who came out on top in the Moto3 race in Austria? None other than Deniz Öncü. Rarely have we seen such an open weekend before, even in this hotly contested category. Sometimes, we could believe in the domination of the world leader Daniel Holgado (Red Bull KTM Tech3), first in P1, or then, in the confirmation of the first Colombian winner in Grands Prix, the rookie David Alonso (Gaviota GasGas Aspar Team) . Or, perhaps, the narrow victory of Jaume Masiá (Honda Leopard Racing), always able to reveal himself in the last corner. Or, more surprisingly, that of surprise pole sitter Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP), who, for once, stole the show from his teammate Ayumu Sasaki. In any case, the competitors in the Moto3 field had, as usual, a very high-level contest in store for us.

Even if you already know the result, come relive this 10th round with us! Before we begin, here is a table which summarizes the facts known so far:

 

Moto3™ Red Bull Ring	Austria 2022	Austria 2023
P1	1'50.378 Andrea Migno	1'41.899 Daniel Holgado
P2	1'41.774 Dennis Foggia	1'41.223 David Alonso
P3	1'41.285 Deniz Oncu	1'41.197 Jaume Masia
Q1	1'41.971 Ayumu Sasaki	1'41.960 Ryusei Yamanaka
Q2	1'41.234 Daniel Holgado	1'41.486 Collin Veijer
Warm-up	1'41.711 Ayumu Sasaki	XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Course	Sasaki, Suzuki Munoz (See here)	Öncü, Holgado, Sasaki
All time lap record	1'41.234 Daniel Holgado 2022 (New chicane)	1'41.197 Jaume Masia

 

The weather is good; all the conditions are met for a great show.

 

 

Let's go ! Very good start Daniel HolgadoFollowed by Deniz Oncu (Red Bull KTM Ajo). Collin Veijer lost his pole position advantage in less than two turns. The two KTM riders try to escape, but Ayumu Sasaki, author of a more than average start, does not hear it that way. He wants to get back to the leading group without delay.

 

 

Collin Veijer, who was thought to be in difficulty in these first meters, reminds us that his pole position was not a coincidence. He overtakes the Turk, and enters Daniel Holgado. David Alonso is fourth, ready to pounce.

 

 

The leading group, made up of seven pilots and closed by Riccardo rossi (Honda Sic58 Squadra Corsica) escapes. What a disappointment for Jaume Masia ! While he was running a solid race around fourth position, a mechanical failure forced him to retire! He seemed to have no more power, pure and simple. By miracle, Ayumu Sasaki avoids it at the last moment. This will weigh heavily in the championship, there is no doubt about it.

 

 

At the same time, Deniz Oncu is back in second place. Note that a small gap was created after third place, but we can count on the Colombian David Alonso to quickly get in on your opponents. Casually, Daniel Holgado leads from the first corner. Can he repeat his Le Mans exploit? Here, the aspiration is much more important. We note the fall of the pilot KTM MT Helmets MSi Syarifuddin Azman at the back of the peloton, while Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia) gets a long lap.

Collin Veijer finally regains his head Daniel Holgado, even if the Spaniard has more than one trick up his sleeve; he recovers his position a few turns further. David Alonso et Ayumu Sasaki have returned, and will compete for victory, barring any problems. The heroic Dutchman gets pushed around in all directions, but holds on. Winning will be difficult, but who knows.

Clearly, David Alonso seems to be on another planet. He now hunts Daniel Holgado, after literally getting rid of Colin Veijer et Deniz Oncu. We had barely finished our sentence when he was in the lead! And one sentence later, there he is on the ground! So much action during this Grand Prix! Colombian is out. Daniel Holgado can breathe, but he must remain on his guard.

 

 

Joshua Whatley (Honda VisionTrack Racing) in turn receives a long lap, then a second from his compatriot and teammate Scott Ogden also. Ayumu Sasaki is now second, in the hunt. Collin Veijer is at the back of this group of four; he struggles to follow the three tenors. The Japanese took first position, but he was known for his weak defenses on the final lap. Nothing is done. Note the very good feedback fromIvan Ortolá (KTM Angeluss MTA Team), soon to be fifth after a failed qualification. Daniel Holgado once again takes first position. Clearly, he seems to be the strongest today.

 

 

The race is thrilling, the three cross swords at every turn. Sasaki first, two laps from the end. Here, overtaking is quite difficult in the last sector, unless there is a dangerous attack. Pilots must manage to get out of danger well in advance. But holgado responds instantly.

Last round. Sasaki passes turn 1. But Holgado responds in turn 3; Deniz Oncu takes the opportunity to rise to the height of the first. The three no longer let go of each other, advantage Sasaki before the last sector. But it is the Turk who benefits from an attack from Daniel Holgado in the last corner to win, just like Miguel Oliveira in 2020! What a race, what a category!

Deniz Oncu Beat Daniel Holgado on the line, for only five thousandths of a second, a few meters ahead Ayumu Sasaki. Colin Veijer is fourth, whileIván Ortolá est fifth.

 

 

Here are the results of the 3 Austrian Moto2023 Grand Prix:

 

 

Classification credit: MotoGP.com

Cover photo: Red Bull KTM Ajo