Finally, MotoGP regains its rights. After six weeks of break, it is the Moto3 which opens the ball at Silverstone with the FP1. Daniel Holgado (Red Bull KTM Tech3) begins this long second part of the season with a 16-point lead, which is not much given his three victories. At Assen, the last Grand Prix to date, the Spaniard got through his weekend, leaving the door open for his runner-up Jaume Masiá (Honda Leopard Racing), which imposed itself, as usual, for nothing. There are many contenders: Iván Ortolá (KTM Angeluss Racing Team) has already won two Grands Prix in the United States and in Jerez, Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo), winner for the first time at the Sachsenring, but also, Ayumu Sasaki ( Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP), still looking for his first success in 2023 but pole-sitter four times.
Clearly, these four men will be the main agitators at the British Grand Prix. Unless a spoilsport comes to disrupt this hierarchy? Why not ! Romano Fenati comes back strong, while Lorenzo Fellon (KTM CIP Green Power) makes his comeback.
While waiting to discover it, a reminder of past references:
|
Silverstone Moto3™ |
2022 |
2023 |
|
FP1 |
2'12.868 Sergio Garcia |
2'12.817 Iván Ortolá |
|
FP2 |
2'10.939 John McPhee |
|
|
FP3 |
2'10.713 Tatsuki Suzuki |
|
|
Q1 |
2'11.458 Riccardo Rossi |
|
|
Q2 |
2'10.951 Diogo Moreira |
|
|
warm up |
2'11.299 Deniz Öncü |
|
|
Course |
Foggia, Masia, Öncü (See here) |
|
|
All time lap record |
2'10.619 Romano Fenati (2021) |
As is often the case, the weather conditions are not safe at Silverstone, but that does not prevent the young guns of Moto3 from taking to the track, especially after such a long break.
As you can see, the weather is looking a lil bit scary ⚠️
But for now, the track is dry so let's get # Moto3 out before it all changes! 🚦#BritishGP 🇬🇧 pic.twitter.com/txpzZGo5dI
- MotoGP @ 🏁 (@MotoGP) August 4, 2023
Roman Fenati (Honda Snipers Team) is the first to set a time, and it's time: for his return to Moto3, the Italian has not lived up to expectations for the moment. Remember that he is the one who has won most often in this category, but also that he holds the lap record on this track. It is also the return of the falls on this fastest circuit. Xavi Artigas (CFMoto Racing Prüstel GP) tastes gravel, but escapes unscathed.
Romano holds on to his first place, and even allows himself to improve. He also won his last career Grand Prix there during the 2021 season. Stefano Nepa (KTM Angeluss MTA Team) is in the game, just like the rookie Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP). David Muñoz (KTM Boé Motorsports), in difficulty this season after his big fall in Jerez which excluded him from the circuits, is again reported on the ground. Ryusei Yamanaka (GasGas Gaviota Aspar Team) imitates him shortly after. Apart from these few deviations, the session is very calm, with a Daniel Holgado in retreat for the moment.
Hitting the ground running after the summer break! 💨@RomanoFenati is your early leader and don't forget that he won in the # Moto3 class the last time he raced here in 2021! ⏪#BritishGP 🇬🇧 pic.twitter.com/heFER1A4Fl
- MotoGP @ 🏁 (@MotoGP) August 4, 2023
Jaume Masia I don't intend to give in so easily. Seven minutes from time, he took first position in 2'13.066. The record set by fenati will not be threatened during this P1. In fact, many woke up in a short time, but be careful not to get trapped! Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia) pays the price, but fortunately, recovers quickly from his big highside.
In the penultimate lap, everyone improves, or almost, but Ivan Ortolá is the best of these men. Jaume Masia est second, whileAyumu Sasaki, the one everyone fears in qualifying, places third.
That's your lot for a nice and dry P1 for # Moto3! 😎@IvanOrtola48 does indeed break into the 2:12s to top of the session! 👏#BritishGP 🇬🇧 pic.twitter.com/SRMCuEUtFc
- MotoGP @ 🏁 (@MotoGP) August 4, 2023
Results of FP1 of the Moto3 British Grand Prix at Silverstone:
Moto3 P1 Silverstone Ranking Credit: MotoGP.com
Cover photo: Angeluss MTA Team
