In Malaysia, David Alonso took a historic thirteenth victory, which allows him to distance himself a little more from Valentino Rossi's previous record of eleven victories in 125cc, during the 1997 season. The Colombian was not in the mood for celebrations, however, and took the opportunity to donate his generosity to the city of Valencia, which is currently going through a disaster.
This Sunday in Malaysia, no bottles were opened on the podium, and the winners of each category remained very sober in their way of celebrating. In addition, the flag of the Valencian Community, currently affected by devastating floods, flew in the hands of the drivers who sat on the box in each category. A mark of support for the victims, after the events of the week.
David Alonso, victorious for the thirteenth time this season in Moto3, was no exception. In Malaysia, he extended the record for victories in a season a little further, and now overtakes Valentino Rossi by two lengths. The Aspar rider did, however, equal another of the Doctor's records: that of the greatest number of consecutive victories in the smallest of classes.
The Moto3 World Champion has in fact become the first to win six in a row in the category under this name. The only one to have done it before him, when it was still the 125cc championship, was Valentino Rossi. Another triumph, at the last round of the season, would therefore allow him to erase the number 46 from the records, before leaving the smallest of classes, to join Moto2.
It wasn't a day to celebrate records for the driver whose team is based not far from the floods, however. Instead, David Alonso was content to do his lap of honour with the region's flag.
"I just wanted to cross the finish line and show the flag of the Valencian Community, he confided upon arrival. I struggled to be professional and do my job this weekend. I got this win thanks to my team, because as they are far from their families, at least I can give them this triumph. Today the records are in the background, no matter the result, I ran them.
This is not the only tribute that Alonso pays to the city of Valencia, as he has also assured that he will donate his entire victory bonus to the collection fund created by MotoGP to help the victims of the disaster. A gesture that shows great respect and generosity despite his young age, and that allows him to conclude a psychologically difficult weekend with the feeling of having achieved something off the circuits.
"Today I win, but I can't celebrate this victory. Today I was driving for a reason, continues David Alonso. I was riding for Team Aspar, and all its members who come from Valencia. And their families in Valencia. It was difficult for me to keep my head in the race. I just tried to do my job this Sunday, and cross the finish line without problems.
So this is for all of them, I do it for the team, for Valencia. I wanted to say that my bonus for this victory, I will give it to Valencia. The team, Aspar, will give it to me, and I will donate the money to the team's 'Gofundme' for Valencia. Now that we have finished [the Asian tour], there are more important things. So let's go home, and try to help them." concludes the latter.
As a reminder, Alonso and his team were due to celebrate their Moto3 success in Valencia, shortly before the MotoGP's appointment with the Ricardo Tormo Circuit to celebrate the final of its championship. However, the event was cancelled for obvious reasons.
Photos: Team Aspar
