The Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto3 rider makes a stunning comeback, whilst teammate Jaume Masia crashes out when fighting for the podium

The Moto3 Dutch GP race saw a thrilling comeback for Dani Holgado, climbing from 23rd to sixth. Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto3 teammate, Jaume Masia, had also been on course for a great finish, but a last lap crash leaves him empty handed.

Holgado had sent out a warning to the rest of the field with the fastest time in the morning warm-up. Starting from twelfth position on the grid, his race properly began following a long lap penalty that dropped him down to 23rd. From there, the Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto3 rider set a great pace, matching the times of the leading group. In the final stretch, he moved up into the Top 10, then crossed the line sixth as a result of the incident ahead of him.

Masia was on the second row of the grid when the lights went out, dropping places off the line and joining the tussle for fifth. Past the midway point, the leading group broke up and Masia occupied third, and late on he attempted to increase the gap between him and the chasing riders. However, contact with another competitor on the final lap sent him down, denying him a podium finish.

Masia is now fifth in the Moto3 World Championship with 107 points. Holgado is thirteenth with 48. After the summer break, the series returns with the British GP, from August 4-7th at Silverstone.

Results (Race)
1. Ayumu Sasaki (Husqvarna) 37:28.371
2. Izan Guevara (GasGas) +0.314
3. Sergio Garcia (GasGas) +0.392
4. Tatsuki Suzuki (Honda) +0.399
5. Xavier Artigas (CFMoto) 0.661
6. Dani Holgado (Red Bull KTM Ajo) +11.540
DNF Jaume Masia (Red Bull KTM Ajo) +11.606
 

Moto3 World Champinoship Standing 2022
1. Sergio Garcia (GasGas) 182 points
2. Izan Guevara (GasGas) 179 points
3. Dennis Foggia (Honda) 115 points
4. Ayumu Sasaki (Husqvarna) 113 points
5. Jaume Masia (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 107 points
13. Dani Holgado (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 48 points

Aki Ajo – Team Manager

“This weekend was going really well in Moto3 for us. Both riders found a good pace and good confidence for the race. The race performance today was great for both Jaume and Dani. Dani had to comply with a long lap penalty but still he finished in the Top 6 so we are very happy. On the other hand, we are really disappointed that Jaume was involved in that accident, he was doing great and had the chance to win but because of the mistake of another rider he was taken out but that is racing specially in Moto3. We can say that the first part of the season has been very positive for us and we will continue working on this direction after the summer break.”

#5 JAUME MASIA 

“It was a shame to end the race like this. I felt very comfortable and we were fighting for the podium and even for the victory for much of the race. We were able to stay in the front group, which was the most important thing. Another rider touched me on the last lap and we missed out on the podium. We will continue working during the break to return stronger at Silverstone.”

#96 DANI HOLGADO

“It was a fantastic race. I made a good start, although the penalty prevented us from being in the front group when we had the pace to be there. After the long lap I overtook many riders. I’m happy because I was able to do that quickly and lead the group, which was the important thing. We’ve gained a lot of experience for the coming races and I’m happy with how today went. Now it’s time to rest, but we’ll keep training to come back stronger.”