Moto3 Netherlands Assen P2: Jaume Masiá dominates, the other tenors in difficulty

Who will succeed Ayumu Sasaki at the TT Assen in Moto3? Last year, the Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP driver won at the Cathedral Choir, a circuit used since 1949. Like every year, there are many favorites. First, Ayumu Sasaki himself can reiterate; on pole with more than a second ahead at the Sachsenring, his speed over a lap is lightning this season. Already four pole positions in seven races for the Japanese, but no victory. That said, it could well have arrived in Germany if not for Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo), who took his first career success in the final corner. Without a doubt, Daniel Holgado (Red Bull KTM Tech3), three-time winner and current world championship leader, is definitely one of the men to watch.

This morning, Jaume Masia (Honda Leopard Racing) took the best time in P1 in a hectic session. Daniel Holgado, Xavi Artigas (CFMoto Racing Prüstel GP), Ivan Ortolá (KTM Angeluss MTA Team) and Kaito Toba (Honda Sic58 Squadra Corsica) all fell at high speed.

Before you know it, here is the table that summarizes the facts known so far.

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
QP1	1'41.633 Daniel Holgado
QP2	1'41.296 Ayumu Sasaki
warm up	1'42.162 Daniel Holgado	XXXXXXX
Course	Sasaki, Guevara, Garcia (See here)
All time lap record	1'41.194 Jeremy Alcoba (2021)

 

Like this morning, the weather is still mild in the Netherlands. However, be careful of the wind, which can destabilize when braking when approaching a fast turn.

 

 

The calm will not last long! Diogo Moreira (KTM MT Helmets MSi), one of the favorites, falls in turn, without consequences. Clearly, the fastest drivers in the category struggle to stay on their wheels. Amazing ! Daniel Holgado is reported on the ground again after his huge fall this morning. The championship leader must re-mobilize as soon as possible; he hasn't fallen in a race yet this season, so that's something to keep an eye on.

 

 

For the moment, Adrian Fernandez, replacing Tatsuki suzuki in Honda Leopard Racing, holds the lead in the provisional ranking but the times are still far from those achieved this morning. Besides, Deniz Oncu and Stefano Nepa (KTM Angeluss MTA Team) waste no time in stealing his position.

The pace is slower than this morning, the drivers certainly do not want to take unnecessary risks. Yet, Deniz Öncü also recorded his second fall of the day. Less serious than the others, the mechanics will not have as much work as with the KTM of Daniel Holgado. Even Jaume Masia visits the gravel trap, proof that no one is safe.

 

 

15 minutes from time, Roman Fenati (Honda Snipers Team) achieves the best time. We no longer expected the Italian, who has been in difficulty since his return to the category of which he is, let us remember, the most decorated driver in its history.

Daniel Holgado is back ! Bravo to the mechanics for their effort. So, he can finally try to chase the time to go directly to Q2; even if tomorrow morning's P3 will count, it just needs to rain to make it useless.

 

 

Barely back on my feet, here we go again Diogo Moreira on the ground ! Not his day, but not more thanIvan Ortolá, who also returns to the gravel for the second time this Friday. Matthew Bertelli (Honda Snipers Team) and Andrea Migno (KTM CIP Green Power) do the same.

At the same time, Jaume Masia regains first place, until the presentation of the checkered flag. He finished almost half a second ahead Romano Fenati, While David Muñoz (KTM Boé Motorsports) finished in third place. In combination, Jaume Masia is in front of Stefano Nepa et Romano Fenati. 

 

 

Results from P2 of the Dutch Moto3 Grand Prix at TT Assen:

 

Credit Ranking: MotoGP.com

Cover photo: Honda Leopard Racing