Moto3 Austria Qualifying: rookie Collin Veijer picks all the favorites!

We had to fight it out. After three relatively calm practice sessions, the young guns of Moto3 competed in Austria for qualifying. Finally, it was Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) who took the best of the entire grid, what a surprise. However, there were other favorites, because, as usual, there are many contenders in this category. During P1, it was the current world championship leader Daniel Holgado who climbed to the top of the timesheet, logically. Then, during the following session, it was rookie David Alonso (Gaviota GasGas Aspar Team) who stood out, having just won his first career Grand Prix at Silverstone. Finally, this morning, the Honda Leopard Racing of Jaume Masiá had disgusted the Austrian battalion largely over-represented in Moto3. The Spaniard even set a new track record.

Of course, it was necessary to take into accountAyumu Sasaki (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP), winner here last year and serial poleman, but also, Deniz Oncu (Red Bull KTM Garlic), always formidable. Even if you already know the name of the person who will start from pole position, relive these two sessions 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)
All time lap record	1'41.234 Daniel Holgado 2022 (New chicane)	1'41.197 Jaume Masia

 

No need to wait for Q2 to thrill. In Q1, many leading drivers are already putting themselves on the nose. Starting with the favorite of MotoGP riders Diogo Moreira (KTM MT Helmets MSi), but also, the double winner in 2023 Ivan Ortolá (KTM Angeluss MTA Team), or, Xavi Artigas (CFMoto Racing Prüstel GP). Let's go !

 

 

On this circuit made up of straight lines, essentially, short at that, aspiration is essential. From then on, the little train formed, as usual. In the first salvo, it's the Honda Team Asia rider Kaito Toba who is the fastest. It is quickly overtaken by Matthew Bertelli (Honda Snipers Team), also in sight since the start of the weekend.

 

 

Tempers are running high because of the traffic. Ryusei Yamanaka (Gaviota GasGas Aspar Team) seems to be best positioned with one lap to go. Also pay attention to Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia), which temporarily climbs into the top 4. But be careful! The yellow flags prevent any improvement in the last lap, and the first injured party is none other than Diogo Moreira!

The four qualified for Q2 are, in order: Ryusei Yamanaka, Matthew Bertelli, Taiyo Furusato et Ivan Ortolá.

 

 

Let's talk about serious things. Watch out for the yellow flags in the first sector of the first flying lap, due to a strange accident signed Roman Fenati (Honda Snipers Team). David Alonso is the first to draw with a lap in 1'41. Clearly, he is not there to entertain the field. At the same time, Deniz Oncu stalls in the pit lane, but manages to get going again without difficulty.

More Jaume Masia once again dazzles the motorcycle planet, passing faster, contorting itself to avoid the cancellation of time! Unfortunately, these efforts are defeated; Honda #5 has clearly moved into the green section. Everything has to be done again. At the same time, Daniel Holgado steals the provisional pole.

 

 

However, big hitters are still far from the best times of this morning. Deniz Oncu takes advantage of a very good top speed to take first place. Jaume Masia still hasn't recorded a time, but it won't be long. He placed fourth for his first recorded attempt, just to ensure a solid place on the grid. Daniel Holgado takes back his property. Then it's the rookie Collin Veijer who is first to lower the checkerboard!

Of course, the others still have to finish their respective turns. But none improves! And David Alonso falls in the last lap. The Dutchman is on pole! Incredible surprise, in front of all the favorites, starting with holgado. Deniz Oncu is third, and his teammate, the rookie José Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo), is fifth. This is the first Dutch pole position since 1999!

 

 

Austrian Moto3 Grand Prix qualifying results:

 

 

Moto3 Austria Qualifications ranking credit: MotoGP.com

Cover photo: Intact GP