The Colombian secures his ninth victory of the season by out dueling Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing) and Munoz (Boe Motorsports) in a thrilling race at Mandalika.

CF Moto Aspar’s David Alonso, once again stole the spotlight and claimed victory number nine at the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia. The Colombian currently has a 97-point advantage in the Championship, with only five races to go.  Adrian Fernandez, from Leopard’s Racing team, claimed his first Moto3 podium of the season by securing second place. David Munoz had been performing well throughout the weekend and managed to move up from 13th place to secure the last position on the podium.

Leading the field through Turn One with a sensational launch was Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia). After starting from Pole, Ivan Ortola (MT Helmets MSI) was moved down to second place as a result of being penalized with three long lap penalties. The Spaniard took them on Lap Two and Four, but received his third on Turn nine, pushing him back down to 19th. Ortola pushed himself in the race and through determination and hard work, was able to secure a position in the Top Ten, coming in Ninth place.

Coilin Veijir (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) took off strong in P3, managing to move his way to the front and maintain that position until Lap 12, where unfortunately he lost the front from underneath him and crashed out. The young Dutchman was ok, but it’s a massive blow to him and the team as he now stands over 100 points behind Championship Leader, Alonso. Will he be able to make it up in the next few rounds?

It was an abrupt end to the weekend for many, as they were also greeted with a crash-heavy race due to hot conditions and a low grip track. Noah Dettwiler (CIP Green Power) and Honda Team Asia’s Arbi Aditama, Tatchakorn Buasri suffered incidents which brought their chances of a podium to an end. David Almansa (Kopron Rivacold Snipers Team) and Filippo Farioli (SIC58 Squadra Corse) also crashed out in the early stages of the race.

The usual Moto3 line formed the top ten, with positions chopping and changing at every opportunity. Who was going to take this win?

Fernandez quickly went from leading the race to fifth place after being squeezed out in two corners, unable to hold his position; this error was not intentional. Daniel Holgado from RedBull GasGas Tech team seized the top spot, whereas Alonso set the track’s quickest lap time. Furasato attempted to catch up with the front group with just three laps left, but unfortunately, he high-sided on Turn One, disappointingly ending his time on the track here in Indonesia.

Two laps remaining, everything had once again shifted. Fernandez led from Muñoz and Alonso, with a slight distance separating the top trio. Alonso quickly overtook Muñoz at Turn one to secure P2, and then focused on catching Fernandez, showing no mercy. At Turn 10, Alonso took the lead, with Muñoz right behind. Fernandez fought back to regain P2, continuously striving to secure first place, but Alonso was unstoppable and dominated the race! The Spaniard defended his lead excellently, beat Fernandez and Muñoz to the chequered flag!!

What does this mean for the championship? Will Alonso conquer the Japanese Grand Prix next?

Featured Image: Aspar Team.