Moto3 Qatar Race: JAUME MASIA IS CHAMPION! He wins the race of the year!

He did it ! Jaume Masiá is crowned Moto3 world champion after the race in Qatar! The Spaniard, aged 23 and driver for Honda Leopard Racing, realized his lifelong dream by winning in Qatar. His competitors could do nothing to contain him, especially at the end of the season. What a feat! Before the lights go out, it's impossible to choose a favorite as the gaps are so tight in this category. Daniel Holgado (Red Bull KTM Tech3) had just taken his first pole position of the year, but his chances for the title were already slim. Followed by Diogo Moreira (KTM MT Helmets MSi), winner in Indonesia but discreet since, as well as Deniz Oncu (Red Bull KTM Ajo). Before qualifying, the Turk was the man of the moment but he was unable to convert his top speed into a concrete result on Saturday. And of course, Jaume Masia and Ayumu Sasaki, the two contenders for the world crown, still very well placed even if the Japanese had not yet won a single race this season.

So, even if you already know the outcome of this penultimate round of the World Cup, come and relive it with us! Before we begin, here is a table which summarizes the known facts:

 

Qatar Moto3™	2022	2023
P1	2'05.414 Dennis Foggia	2'09.404 Deniz Öncü
P2	2'04.920 Izan Guevara	2'06.794 Jaume Masia
P3	2'05.370 Dennis Foggia	2'05.843 Deniz Öncü
Q1	2'05.481 Ayumu Sasaki	2'05.960 Filippo Farioli
Q2	2'04.811 Izan Guevara	2'04.742 Daniel Holgado
Warm Up	2'05.624 Dennis Foggia	XXXXX
Course	Migno, Garcia, Toba (See here)	Masia, Alonso, Öncü
All time lap record	2'04.075 Darryn Binder 2021	2'04.075 Darryn Binder 2021

 

It's already dark in Qatar, but the track is dry; the conditions are ideal. All that's left to do is get started. Here we go !

 

 

Deniz Oncu got the best start, but it seems that he started before the lights went out! Daniel Holgado is second, Ayumu Sasaki third. First fall for Joshua Whatley, the pilot Honda VisionTrack Racing. Diogo Moreira unable to keep up with the best, here he is in the middle of the pack while we just learn that the Turk is penalized by two long laps! His title hopes, already slim, are extinguished.

 

 

Ayumu Sasaki takes charge, while his rival James Masia is already fourth! We will have a close battle, that is now certain. David Alonso (GasGas Aspar Team) is also there, as usual. The drivers arrive five abreast in the first corner, it's just magnificent! Diogo Moreira is getting back on track.

James Masia et Ayumu Sasaki touch each other, it’s incredible! The two are playing for the world title, while the Japanese had just performed an absolutely spectacular maneuver! Daniel Holgado take the opportunity to resume lead. Be careful with Ivan Ortola (KTM Angeluss MTA Team), very discreet in this second half of the season but twice winner in 2023, who is going to win.

 

 

Philip Farioli (Red Bull KTM Tech3) fell to the rear. Apparently, Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Garlic) is found responsible for the incident which was not shown to us, and he receives two long lapses like his teammate Deniz Oncu. As is often the case, the top speed of the Honda Leopard Racing benefits James Masia which is impregnable in the immense straight.

Daniel Holgado is extremely aggressive on Ivan Ortola, it's hot at the head of the race!

 

 

For victory, however, Ivan Ortola seems best able to maintain a very good pace. farmhouse wants to make war on Sasaki ! He takes her off to sea after a blockpass failed, but he also lost time. Is the Spaniard succumbing to stress, or does he want to take the psychological advantage over the " Crazy boy »?

 

 

But ahead, David Munoz (KTM Boé Motorsports), out of nowhere, touches Ivan Ortola, moving it out of the way. Diogo Moreira cannot stand this infernal pace; the Brazilian falls in turn. James Masia receives a simple warning, but he must be careful while Sasaki resumes his revenge following a strong overtake! That's wonderful.

 

 

Ivan Ortola is out of the game! He also takes two long penalties due to irresponsible behavior on the track! Ayumu Sasaki, leading in front Daniel Holgado, don't worry about it. The suspense is unbearable. Everyone can win at the forefront. Especially since Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP), winner at Sepang, is in the game. farmhouse et Sasaki don't give up one step.

 

 

Ayumu Sasaki et Daniel Holgado touch each other in turn! The leader changes at every turn, but Jaume Masia takes the lead again for the first time in some time. Pay attention to the exceptional rise of Riccardo Rossi (Honda Sic58 Squadra Corsica), which is part of this huge group.

 

 

Only three more laps to cover. The tension is at its maximum. Obviously, whoever comes out of the last corner in the lead will win. But in the most crucial moments, Ayumu Sasaki gets tossed aside! It's incredible ! James Masia, in the lead, can be titled in less than two rounds.

The “Crazy Boy” attacks the penultimate lap of this race in 10th position! He must be hoping for a miracle!

 

 

The worst part is that he was pushed aside by Adrian Fernandez, the teammate of James Masia in Honda Leopard Racing ! We are entering the last lap, a destiny may be sealed. As it stands, Jaume would be titled. But it is not finished, Daniel Holgado is not far, but Riccardo Rossi et David Alonso bicker, embarrass each other! And There you go Deniz Oncu back from the dead!

 

 

But finally, James Masia wins this crazy race, and thus becomes Moto3 world champion! What a performance! In the last moments, David Alonso takes second place while Deniz Oncu still get on the box! Ayumu Sasaki, sixth, could do nothing.

 

 

After Danny Kent and in 2015 Lorenzo Dalla Porta in 2019, he becomes the third driver Honda Leopard Racing to win the title! Ayumu Sasaki was not unworthy in this round.

 

 

Qatar Moto3 Grand Prix 2023 result:

 

 

Classification credit: MotoGP.com

Cover photo: MotoGP