Moto3 France Le Mans P1: Ayumu Sasaki in the lead, Iván Ortolá on the ground

After a thrilling Spanish Grand Prix, the heroes of the Moto3 category are ready to do it again at Le Mans. The man of the moment is undoubtedly Iván Ortolá (KTM Angeluss Team), winner in Austin after a spectacular comeback, but also in Jerez, this time after a tense explanation. The young Spaniard is certainly the favorite, but he is not the only one. Daniel Holgado (Red Bull KTM Tech3), championship leader since the opening round, is still well placed at the finish. The Brazilian Diogo Moreira (KTM MT Helmets MSi) is also one to watch, as is Jaume Masiá (Honda Leopard Racing), author of a good return to Andalusia.

Fast but irregular, Deniz Oncu (Red Bull KTM Ajo) was the fastest at Jerez but an inside race saw him tumble as the laps went by. His position in the rankings doesn't reflect his form so much, so watch out for him.

Before we begin, here is a table which summarizes the facts known so far:

Moto3™ Le Mans	2022	2023
FP1	1'42.184 Dennis Foggia	1'42.402 Ayumu Sasaki
FP2	1'41.680 Dennis Foggia
FP3	1'41.710 Dennis Foggia
Q1	1'42.475 Deniz Öncü
Q2	1'41.621 Dennis Foggia
Warm up	1'42.586 Jaume Masia	XXXXXXXXXXX
Course	Masia, Sasaki, Guevara
All time lap record	1'41.399 Jaume Masiá (2020)

 

For the moment, the weather is fine, no clouds to report in the Le Mans sky even if the MotoGP report claims the opposite. The spectators, some of whom have not slept much, timidly join the stands for this P1 Moto3.

 

 

At the presentation of the green flags, Filippo Farioli (Red Bull KTM Tech3) is the first to set off. Already one fall to report, that of Mario Aji (Honda Team Asia). We know that the Bugatti circuit is one of those which causes the most falls, particularly due to the cool conditions despite the sun.

The time, logically, only goes down but no reference lap is yet significant enough to be mentioned. Tatsuki suzuki (Honda Leopard Racing) and Diogo Moreira are playing in front but still nothing dangerous for the track record. Everyone continues to improve. Ayumu Sasaki (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) is also there.

 

 

However, for a few minutes, Diogo Moreira is not dethroned. Then it's the turn of Deniz Öncü to take the lead, exactly like in Jerez.

As surprising as it may seem, it is Joel Kelso (CFMoto Racing Prüstel GP) who takes over with a 1'43.728. After his serious accident in Portugal, the Australian is coming back well.

 

 

Finally, the times are racing. Diogo Moreira et Deniz Öncü take the lead again, but the Turk falls just after, just like Ayumu Sasaki. Clearly, the Brazilian Moreira seems in his element and can, finally, hope to win his first victory in 2023. Ayumu Sasaki, on the ground a few moments ago, steals his first place. During this time, Philip Farioli (Red Bull KTM Tech3) falls in the Dunlop Chicane.

 

 

Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia) et Iván Ortolá (KTM Angeluss Team) also end up on the ground. Sasaki remains in command until the end. In the last moments, David Alonso (GasGas Aspar Team) is also trapped by the fresh track. Diogo Moreira is second, and Deniz Öncü completes the top 3.

 

 

Results of P1 of the French Moto3 Grand Prix on the Bugatti circuit in Le Mans: 

 

Credit Ranking: motogp.com

Cover photo: Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP Team