Moto3 Netherlands Assen Race: Jaume Masiá's recital, zero points for Daniel Holgado

At the end of the effort, it was Jaume Masiá who won at the Moto3 Dutch Grand Prix in Assen. However, as usual, the outcome was more than uncertain when the lights went out. First of all, a surprising David Muñoz (KTM Boé Motorsports) took his first career pole position after a discreet start. Followed by Joel Kelso (CFMoto Racing Prüstel GP) and Riccardo Rossi (Honda Sic58 Squadra Corse) on the grid, he especially had to be wary of what was coming from further behind. Starting with the Red Bull KTM Ajo rider, Deniz Öncü, winner at the Sachsenring, but also Jaume Masiá (Honda Leopard Racing), far on the grid but dominant during free practice. Then, finally, Daniel Holgado (Red Bull KTM Tech3), leader of the championship but last at the start due to a failed Q1.

Finally, Jaume Masia knew how to avoid the pitfalls to triumph in the heart of Assen Cathedral. Relive this Grand Prix with us, but first, here is a table which summarizes all the known facts:

 

Assen Moto3™	2022	2023
P1	1'52.406 David Munoz	1'41.667 Jaume Masia
P2	1'49.491 David Munoz	1'41.579 Jaume Masia
P3	1'41.526 Izan Guevara	1'41.713 Stefano Nepa
QP1	1'41.633 Daniel Holgado	1'42.036 Taiyo Furusato
QP2	1'41.296 Ayumu Sasaki	1'41.181 David Munoz
warm up	1'42.162 Daniel Holgado	XXXXXXX
Course	Sasaki, Guevara, Garcia (See here)	Masiá, Sasaki, Öncü
All time lap record	1'41.194 Jeremy Alcoba (2021)	1'41.181 David Muñoz (2023)

 

The sun is clearly present for the competitors in the Moto3 field, as it has been since the start of the weekend. Conditions conducive to battle, and above all, to the rise of Daniel Holgado from last place, definitely the element to watch closely. As a reminder, Adrian Fernandez (Honda Leopard Racing), replacing Tatsuki suzuki, received a two-long lapse penalty for causing the fall of Filippo Farioli (Red Bull KTM Tech3) in qualifying.

 

 

Let's go ! As soon as the lights go out, David Munoz takes the best of the whole grid, but makes a mistake which benefits Joel Kelso. Behind, Jaume Masiá, Deniz Öncü and especially, Iván Ortolá (KTM Angeluss MTA Team) rise strongly; remember that the latter has a long penalty period to complete.

 

 

However, the action is happening at the back of the pack; Daniel Holgado has fallen, and even if he manages to rejoin the track, there is no doubt that all his hopes of getting back up are vanquished. He will not imitate Brad Binder today.

 

 

Two new falls to note, namely Adrian Fernández et Joshua Whatley (Honda VisionTrack Racing). The Briton speared the Spaniard, brother of Raúl, according to the rules. He will undoubtedly receive a penalty during the next outing. Meanwhile, ahead, Jaume Masia is now in contact with the leader, and even allows himself to go ahead! As is often the case at Assen, there are no leading groups, just a group of drivers who can claim victory.

 

 

Deniz Oncu is boiling, absolutely excited not far from the lead, and even allows himself triple overtakes to take the lead ! His commitment is simply impressive. Ayumu Sasaki is also there, of course. Of all the favorites, none is out of favor; the suspense remains. Stefano Nepa (KTM Angeluss MTA Team), very good since the start of the weekend, is also at the forefront.

 

 

Despite its long lap, Ivan Ortolá is also back. Stefano Nepa seems able to open up a small gap, but it is still too early to conclude anything. The war is bitter, the overruns follow one another; great show. Ivan Ortolá goes up like a bullet at his teammate; he is clearly the fastest Moto3 rider on track at Assen.

 

 

David Muñoz has not yet said its last word. The poleman pushes, but also comes up against a surprising Stefano Nepa. The Italian has never been on the world podium before. Even Roman Fenati (Honda Snipers Team), the veteran, is in the game! Defining a hierarchy is truly impossible with less than eight rounds remaining. That said, it must be recognized that Stefano Nepa mastery for several minutes now.

 

 

Now, a group of ten pilots has been formed, and it does not include Diogo Moreira (KTM MT Helmets MSi), the Brazilian who has been struggling somewhat lately. Moto3, at Assen, is as unpredictable as ever.

 

 

Be careful of contact! Stefano Nepa found himself stuck in a sandwich made of Romano Fenati et David Muñoz as bread! He comes out sixth; everything has to be done again. Jaume Masia takes the opportunity to come back first while Roman Fenati stays well placed.

 

 

A big mistake David Muñoz relegates him to sixth place with less than three laps to go. The pole sitter must find something extra to win. Everything suggests that victory will be decided in the last chicane, unless Jaume Masia manages to maintain the lead he built up in just a few hectometers.

 

 

Finally, it is Jaume Masia who wins at the end of the effort, what a performance! This played out at the very end against a Ayumu Sasaki returned well, but once again, the victim of a bad decision in battle. Ivan Ortolá made a mistake at the start of the last round which eliminated him from the race for victory.

 

 

Deniz Oncu completes the podium, and continues his good series. The big loser is none other than Daniel Holgado, author of a catastrophic weekend from start to finish.

 

 

 

Assen Moto3 Grand Prix 2023 result: 

 

Moto3 Assen Ranking Credit: MotoGP.com

Cover photo: Honda Leopard Racing