The Moto3 class delivered a thrilling race to start proceedings at the Silverstone MotoGP.

What a fantastic way to celebrate a birthday! Iván Ortolá won the Moto3 British GP at Silverstone on Sunday. The Spaniard began the race on pole position closely followed by Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) and Joel Kelso (#66-Boé Motorsports). Ortolá then proceed to secure his victory on the final lap with an unbelievable overtake. A very unpredictable and intense race that could’ve been anyone’s.

The first ten laps were very much a battle between the same group of riders. Ortolá takes the lead heading into the first corner, quickly followed by Kelso who then piloted into the second corner. Daniel Holgado (Redbull GASGAS Tech3) then followed suit timing in at a 0.3 second gap between second and his position in third. During the first five laps, a few of the riders were subject to a couple of mistakes that may have cost them their chance for a space on the podium. Scott Ogden (MLav Racing), Angel Piqueras (Leopard Racing), Vincente Perez(MLav Racing) all crashing out on Lap two and another following incident: Xabi Zurutuza (#85-Red Bull KTM Ajo) on Lap five.

Meanwhile, Holgado continues to push the pace at the front of an 11 rider group. The current Championship leader, David Alonso (CFMoto Aspar team) sat stealthily in fifth position, tension building with riders chopping and changing positions, keeping us all on our toes throughout the entirety of the race. Stefano Nepa (#82-MTA Team) kept creeping up the line, jumping two places in Lap three, eventually overtaking Kelso exchanging paint during the process. The Italian taking third place into Maggotts but not for long as the battle for a podium continues between Nepa and Kelso. This is short-lived as #66 runs wide dropping five positions, while Alonso steals the third.

With five laps remaining, tensions are high, with Holgado once again in the lead with a 0.5 second gap between him and Veijr, but not for long as roles are reversed as the young Dutch rider swept past with only three laps to go. Could this be a podium? These final few laps were feisty as the top five battle it out: Veijr, Holgado, Ortolá, Alonso and Nepa. Overtaking, side by side, you name it these riders have done it, all to try and secure a podium. Ortolá became the rider to watch, making moves attempting to steal the lead, but Lap 12 saw Alonso entering P1 for the first time at Silverstone, not for long as one little slip dropped him back down to fourth place with Holgado leaping back to second.

The closing stretch of the British Grand Prix saw Veijer stealing the lead from Alonso, meanwhile the key move that would give the victory name to the Spaniard Ortolá, was the breath-taking overtake on Maggotts which ended in a wide run on the entry to Vale. Holding this line would lead to claim a magnificent victory at Silverstone.

What a birthday present that was!

Featured Image: Olithephoto