Moto3 India Race: Jaume Masiá on the move, Daniel Holgado in great danger!

The Moto3 race in India promised to be explosive. Finally, after a fierce fight, it was Jaume Masiá who crossed the finish line in first position. An effort which does him the greatest good in the general ranking, there is no doubt about it. Before the race, many drivers had the hope of winning: starting with Jaume Masiá (Honda Leopard Racing), of course, the poleman in the rain. But behind him, the others had not come to drink the curry rice water. Ayumu Sasaki (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP), still fast but not yet a winner in 2023, could compete, as could his rookie teammate Collin Veijer. Diogo Moreira (KTM MT Helmets MSi), little in sight since the start of the season, was also fast during free practice. On the other hand, the situation was less happy for Daniel Holgado (Red Bull KTM Tech3), leader of the championship but in distress for a few races, who had not even qualified for Q2.

So, even if you already know the result, come and relive this first Moto3 Grand Prix in India alongside us. Before we begin, here is a table which summarizes the facts known so far:

 

Buddh Moto3™	2023
P1	2'00.324 Jaume Masia
P2	1'59.566 Collin Veijer
P3	1'59.375 Diogo Moreira
Q1	1'59.070 Deniz Öncü
Q2	2'09.336 Jaume Masia
Course	Masia, Toba, Sasaki
All time lap record	1'59.375 Diogo Moreira

 

Fortunately, the weather is rather mild this Sunday morning. You especially have to watch the back of the grid: in fact, the Turk Deniz Oncu (Red BUll KTM Ajo) received a penalty for ignoring a black flag. He will start last in addition to having a long lap.

 

 

Let's go ! Excellent start to Jaume Masia, immediately followed by Ayumu Sasaki. Surprisingly, the Japanese did not manage to overtake him on the slipstream despite the impressive length of the straight. Diogo Moreira ranks third, while Daniel Holgado has already scraped a few positions further behind.

 

 

Watch out for the huge highside! Joel Keslo (CFMoto Racing Prüstel GP) flies into the air and the pilots behind must avoid it. Already, Jaume Masia tries to escape and only Ayumu Sasaki can maintain its pace. If the race were to end like this with Daniel Holgado in 10th position, then Sasaki would take overall command! Small fall for Matthew Bertelli (Honda Snipers Team), who for once was playing right up front. Kaito Toba (Honda Sic58 Squadra Corsica) inherits his place on the provisional podium.

 

 

Daniel Holgado is gradually coming back, he does not want to let the championship slip away from him. David Alonso (GasGas Aspar Team), the brilliant Colombian rookie, gets very scared twice but stays on his wheels. Unlike the last rounds, he is not going for victory today but everything can happen in a little more than ten rounds.

In any case, Jaume Masia don't worry about it. He still benefits from this half-second lead over Ayumu Sasaki, which allows it to always stay ahead and not suffer from the phenomenon of suction.

 

 

Obviously, victory will be between the two even if we believed, for a moment, that Colin Veijer could come back to the leading duo. Whatever, Ayumu Sasaki loses a lot of ground on the last loops. The Spaniard now has more than a second lead, incredible. Scott Ogden (Honda VisionTrack Racing) also undergoes an enormous highside, which also causes Tatsuki Suzuki (Honda Leopard Racing). Ouch!

What's happening ? THE " Crazy Boy » Ayumu Sasaki can no longer follow his counterpart! He is losing ground visibly, and will perhaps be caught by his teammate.

 

 

From now on, a real battle between Ayumu Sasaki, Collin Veijer et Kaito Toba. If Sasaki slips, Jaume Masia will take control of the general classification!

 

 

Sasaki is under pressure, but he resists as best he can! Incredible effort from the Japanese. Toba tries, but Sasaki punches back inside. But it is ultimately Kaito Toba which takes second position while Collin Veijer was touched by his colleague! The Dutchman is on the ground, Ayumu Sasaki third !

 

 

It's time to take stock! This fall in the final moments allows Daniel Holgado to take fourth position, which means he is tied for first with Jaume Masia in the general classification! The end of the season promises to be explosive, especially since Ayumu Sasaki is only one point behind the two men!

 

 

Moto3 Indian Grand Prix 2023 Result:

 

 

Classification credit: MotoGP.com

Cover photo: Honda Leopard Racing