Upon arriving in Thailand, Ayumu Sasaki (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) had managed to reduce his gap from 16 to 4 points with the leader of the world championship moto3, Jaume Masia (Honda Leopard Racing), making the Grand Prix entry category the most competitive in the world speed championship. And this P2 Moto3 at Sepang is no exception to the rule.
Unfortunately for the Japanese driver who crashed into the race David Muñoz (BOE Motorsports) victim of a technical problem, at the start of the 18th of 20 stages, which takes place this weekend on the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia, the differential now stands at 17 points, while there is potentially 75 remaining to register. He nevertheless remains in the title race, just like Daniel Holgado (Red Bull KTM Tech3), the Colombian rookie David Alonso (Gaviota GasGas Aspar Team) winner in Thailand, now seasoned Deniz Oncu (Red Bull KTM Ajo) and the Spaniard Ivan Ortolá (KTM Angeluss MTA Team), while the valiant Brazilian Diogo Moreira (MT Helmets – MSI) was eliminated in Buriram.
Last year, Ayumu Sasaki (Sterilgarda Husqvarna Max) finished 2nd on the Sepang circuit, Jaume Masia (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 4th: are we heading towards a reissue that would push the suspense all the way to Valencia? Among the changes in the list of participants, we note that if Roman Fenati returns to Rivacold Snipers Team, Ana Carrasco is always replaced by Vicente Perez at BOE Motorsports.
This morning, James Masia, again, had dominated the debates during P1. Before starting this P2, here is a table which summarizes the facts known so far:
Moto3 Sepang™ |
2022 |
2023 |
FP1 |
2'12.226 Dennis Foggia |
2'12.065 Jaume Masia |
FP2 |
2'12.348 Dennis Foggia |
2'12.518 Taiyo Furusato |
FP3 |
2'12.418 David Munoz |
|
Q1 |
2'12.632 Ryusei Yamanaka |
|
Q2 |
2'11.411 Dennis Foggia |
|
Warm-up |
2'25.542 Jaume Masia |
XXXXX |
Course |
McPhee, Sasaki, Garcia (See here) |
|
All time lap record |
2'11.411 Dennis Foggia (2022) |
The weather, always hazardous in these latitudes, is rather mild this Friday morning. The session begins with a fall, that of David Munoz. Fortunately, the Spaniard is fine and can get back on the bike immediately.
Down goes @david64official at T15 💥
But he quickly gets back up! 👍#MalaysianGP 🇲🇾 pic.twitter.com/1v3j0625ay
- MotoGP @ 🏁 (@MotoGP) November 10, 2023
James Masia is the first to register a significant time, but he is quickly followed by Deniz Öncü. Moreover, the Turk managed to briefly free himself from his rival to take the best position. Ayumu Sasaki, long in his box, is also there.
A slow start to make up for ⚠️@AyumuSasaki1 completes his first laps after heading out late 🔧#MalaysianGP 🇲🇾 pic.twitter.com/l6eDrJlsyL
- MotoGP @ 🏁 (@MotoGP) November 10, 2023
The session is nevertheless extremely calm, as is often the case with P2. No notable changes to report.
Knee down at its finest 💥#MalaysianGP 🇲🇾 pic.twitter.com/mU2qguHTbj
- MotoGP @ 🏁 (@MotoGP) November 10, 2023
Watch out for the Crazy Boy Ayumu Sasaki in the last minutes, because he is often on fire during a lap. With less than five minutes to go, he took the best position. He is quickly followed by Daniel Holgado, who even steals his position a few seconds later! And now it's Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia) who achieves the best brand! Amazing. While at the same time, Deniz Oncu is having problems when it comes time to go out!
Time for the last run…not so fast! 😅
But @Denizoncu53 manages to get it going and join the track 👍#MalaysianGP 🇲🇾 pic.twitter.com/3tfwg3TKM0
- MotoGP @ 🏁 (@MotoGP) November 10, 2023
Ayumu Sasaki stays in the box too. The Japanese has just saved a highside in a very spectacular way. Ryusei Yamanaka (GasGas Aspar Team) and Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia) are caught in a collision, which concludes this session!
OUTSTANDING, @AyumuSasaki1 👏
A crazy save from Crazy Boy! 🤯#MalaysianGP 🇲🇾 pic.twitter.com/no7rMArniD
- MotoGP @ 🏁 (@MotoGP) November 10, 2023
Furusato is the fastest in this P2, right up there with all the favorites. Xavi Artigas (CFMoto Racing Prüstel GP) is also on the ground.
Results of Practice 2 of the Malaysian Moto3 Grand Prix in Sepang:
Credit ranking: MotoGP.com
Cover photo: Honda Team Asia