Not only Europe and Asia churn out talents on two wheels. There are continents and, more specifically, countries of such continents with a particular motoring tradition. In this historical phase, Spain is dominating in this sense, with valid drivers in all categories. Italy is no less and, at least to compete even if not necessarily to win titles, Japan also periodically manages to have its say. In Moto 3 there is currently the exception that proves the rule, namely a South American rider who is taking advantage of the change in category of the two dominators of the last season. But let's go in order, making a summary of the last World Championship in this category and then going to the current edition.
The 2023 World Cup
The last edition of the Moto3 World Championship was the sign of twists and turns, with riders who started with the lights off and then emerged as great protagonists and others who instead took the opposite path. That it could be yet another competition dominated by the Spaniards but with a slight South American tip was clear from the first Grand Prix: in fact, in Portugal the Spaniard Daniel Holgado triumphed, putting behind his compatriot David Munoz and the Brazilian Diogo Moreira. The green-and-gold rider confirms himself in Argentina, with second place behind the Japanese Tatsuki Suzuki.
The next two races, however, were won by another Spaniard, Ivan Ortolà. So are these the protagonists of the season? The asphalt issues different sentences. As the weeks go by, in fact, different motorcyclists emerge from those who shone in the first races. Above all the Spaniard Jaume Masià who, after a second and two third places between Chile, Spain and France, wins in Holland and starts a splendid year closed with the world title.
Not an easy victory, at the end of a battle with another driver with a 'diesel' start, namely the Japanese Ayumu Sasaki (second in the final standings, but only 6 points behind the Spaniard). Completing the podium was Colombian David Alonso, whose world championship was similar to that of the drivers who eventually preceded him in the standings. The South American gave his best in the middle part of the season, triumphing in Great Britain, Catalonia and San Marino. In the final he went on the podium in three of the last four races, but this was not enough to win the World Championship. The moment of joy, however, is only postponed.
The 2024 edition
The Moto 3 World Championship currently underway loses the top two of last year's final standings, who moved to Moto 2 as usual. Alonso therefore inevitably becomes one of the favorites for the final victory. However, there is no shortage of competition for the Colombian, with the Spaniards Holgado, Ortolà and Munoz (who finished fifth, sixth and tenth respectively the year before) ready to compete for the title.
The Dutchman Collin Veijer should also be followed carefully, while among the Italians the most interesting talent is Stefano Nepa. Unlike the previous season, Alonso's World Championship began as best it could. In fact, the Colombian triumphed in Qatar, finishing the race ahead of Holgado and the Japanese Taiyo Furusato.
However, the Spaniard made up for it immediately, winning the next Grand Prix scheduled in Portugal. The podium was all Spanish, with Ortolà and the outsider José Antonio Rueda (who would finish in the top three only one more time in the rest of the World Championship). So will the World Cup speak the language of Cervantes? This prospect is overwhelmed by the Colombian wave. After the disappointment of fourth place in Portugal, Alonso is back on the march at a relentless pace.
In the next seven games, in fact, he won five times. This streak starts in the third Grand Prix of the season, staged in Chile: behind him Holgado who, together with Ortolà, is trying more than anyone else to counter his leadership. In Spain there was a short empty pass for Alonso, who finished eleventh. Luckily for him, Veijer wins this race while Ortolà and Holgado finish respectively in third and seventh position. However, it was a bump in the road, because then came successes in France, Catalonia and Italy.
These are three consecutive victories that scare the competition, unable to keep up with the pace of the Colombian driver. The two Spaniards, in fact, in the same three races only reach the podium once each. The series of first places was interrupted in Holland, and then resumed immediately afterwards in Germany. Alonso currently has 179 points, against 121 for Ortolà and 120 for Holgado. Veijer is also in the running for the podium, fourth at 115. More detached, however, Munoz: in fifth position with 84 points. Finally, the Italian Nepa is at a sidereal distance from the top: his 40 points were obtained by finishing a race in sixth place at most (the debut one, in Qatar).
It is up to Alonso to continue his almost perfect World Championship so far, avoiding yet another Spanish triumph.
