Moto3 is back on track in Japan, and it starts right away with P1. This second session, crucial to kick off your weekend, is always interesting to follow. In terms of times, we had to follow David Alonso (CFMoto Aspar Team), again winner in Mandalika, and who can already be titled world champion at the end of this weekend. Behind him, the opposition is doing what it can. Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) and Ivan Ortola (KTM MT Helmets MSi) were strong outsiders, but errors and other recent glitches eliminated them from the title race. Daniel Holgado (Red Bull GasGas Tech3) is more tenacious, yes, but struggles to compete with the Colombian. Arriving in Japan, we also had to be wary of the Honda Leopard Racing pair of Angel Piqueras and Adrian Fernandez, who have had a lot of speed for some time. This morning, David Alonso stood out again in a complicated session.
Do you already know the result of this session? It doesn’t matter, come and relive it with us! Before we begin, here is a table which summarizes the known facts :
| Moto3™ Japanese, Motegi | 2023 | 2024 |
| FP | 1’57.260 Diogo Moreira | 1’59.280 David Alonso |
| P1 | 1’57.068 Jaume Masia | 1’55.550 Ivan Ortola |
| P2 | 1’56.148 Jaume Masia | |
| Q1 | 1’57.161 Riccardo Rossi | |
| Q2 | 1’56,331 Jaume Masia | |
| Course | Masia, Sasaki, Holgado (See here) | |
| Record | 1’56,148 Jaume Masia 2023 | 1’55.550 Ivan Ortola |
While the track is now dry, Ivan Ortola quickly improves this morning’s time. It is followed by the Japanese Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Aisa), who will have pressure at home.
David Alonsoon the other hand, does motocross! After a short exit from the track, there he is plowing the gravel traps. However, it still ranks second.
The Colombian, on fire as always, now takes first position, but is quickly dethroned by the rookie
Angel Piqueras. The track record is already not far away.
The drivers are already setting off for the last run. Ryusei Yamanaka (KTM MT Helmets MSi) shines at home, with a new lap record! Can he become the first Japanese winner at Motegi since Youichi Ui in 2001?
Adrian Fernandezalso very fast, would like to stop him. Daniel Holgadoin the depths of the ranking, struggles.
Then, these are Ivan Ortola et David Alonso who go on the attack. But finally, at the end of the suspense, Ivan Ortola maintains its first position in front Angel Piqueraswho fell in the last lap, and David Alonso.
P1 Moto3 result at the 2024 Japanese Grand Prix:
Ranking credit: MotoGP.com
Cover photo: MT HElmets MSi
