Moto3 Jerez Spain P1: Deniz Öncü puts the pressure on

As usual, the Spanish Moto3 Grand Prix is ​​eagerly awaited by the young guns. Due to its location and his status, the Jerez circuit is well known to the protagonists of the category and offers, most of the time, magnificent races. In Austin, Iván Ortolá (KTM Angeluss MTA Team) won in the most beautiful way after saving a highside at the very start of the race. Logically, the Spaniard will have to be monitored with the greatest attention. Jaume Masiá (Honda Leopard Racing) also returns well, but the main danger comes from world championship leader Daniel Holgado (Red Bull KTM Tech3), who celebrated his 18th birthday yesterday. Strong in all conditions and on all tracks so far, he is a constant threat.

We note the very good start to the season of Diogo Moreira (KTM MT Helmets MSi), first in the general classification tie without victories, but also Xavier Artigas (CFMoto Racing Prüstel GP), discreet but still in the top 10 and on the podium in Texas. Who will win in Jerez? Will we see a new exploit, after that of Brad Binder in 2016, winner from last position? To be continued. Regardless, the KTM should pose the main threat as Jerez falls short at Honda. Last year, you had to go back to 12th place to observe the first winged machine.

Here is a table which summarizes the facts known so far:

Moto3 ™ Jerez Spain	2022	2023
P1	1'47.888 Deniz Öncü	1'46"173 Deniz Oncu
P2	1'46.341 Izan Guevara
P3	1'45.736 Diogo Moreira
Q1	1'46.858 Kaito Toba
Q2	1'45.880 Izan Guevara
Warm up	1'46.601 Deniz Öncü	XXXXXXXXXXXX
Course	Guevara, Garcia, Masia
All time lap record	1'45.880 Izan Guevara 2022

 

Xavier Artigas is the first to lead the pack, but he still remains a good distance from the track record set in 2022. Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo), feeling a little behind on the Austin side, shows itself. Will the Spanish round, traditionally seen as a “new” start to the season, succeed?

Daniel Holgado, of course, is in the mix. No surprises at the start of P1, the favorites are all at the front. Deniz Oncu (Red Bull KTM Ajo), a little behind his potential, has not yet reached the podium. Fast to Jerez (remember his explanation with Darryn binder a few years ago), he is currently at the top of the provisional ranking, and is improving again.

 

Daniel Holgado regains his property a few minutes later. Until now, he is the most proactive Moto3 rider, the one who has shown himself the strongest and therefore, the main candidate for the title even if it is still early to nominate one. Deniz Oncu replied, despite the cancellation of one of his laps by the race direction. The two stand less than a tenth apart, away from the rest of the field. A duel announced.

For the moment, the only major absentee is David Munoz (KTM Boé Motorsports). After taking Stefano Nepa on the mat in the United States, he is still not in the second with 15 minutes to go. For him too, expectations are high.

 

Nine minutes from time, Saturday's hero Ayumu Sasaki (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP), author of all the pole positions until now, takes the lead, but not for long. The previous two animators are faster, but the most effective seems to be Deniz Öncü, in 1'46.173. This propels him to 0.7 from second, Daniel Holgado !

Deniz Oncu, comfortable leader, remains in the lead until the end. Jaume Masia (Honda Leopard Racing) is the author of a good session, comes second at the very end. A small fall to report, that of David Almansa (Husqvarna Finetwork Intact GP) in the very last moments. Daniel Holgado finished third.

 

Results from P1 of the Moto3 Spanish Grand Prix in Jerez:

 

Classification credit: MotoGP.com

Cover photo: Red Bull KTM Ajo