The Red Bull KTM Ajo rider fights back after a heavy crash in FP3 prevented him from competing in Q2. Masia places 20th after serving a ride through penalty.

Pedro Acosta continued his surprising season with a fourth place finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, despite facing significant adversity. The rookie had missed Q2 on Saturday due to a big crash in FP3 and was experiencing discomfort in his back, but overcame it to climb 14 places and enter into the fight for victory at Assen. Jaume Masia finished 20th on a tough day, as the Spaniard’s hopes of a win were dealt a blow by a ride through penalty on the opening laps.

After passing a medical examination in the morning, Acosta was declared fit for Sunday’s race. He started from 18th, but would drop two position on the opening lap that only made things tougher for him. Making steady progress, he hunted down the lead group halfway through the contest, and then upped his pace – setting the fastest lap of the contest in the process. The rookie would eventually take the chequered flag in fourth place.

Masia began the Dutch Grand Prix from the fourth row of the grid, but also gave up places early on. When in 15th position, on the second lap, he would serve a ride through penalty handed to him on Saturday for riding slowly in Q1, re-joining the race far from the front. The Spaniard would come in 20th after a lonely final few laps.

After the ninth round of the season, Acosta continues to lead the Moto3 World Championship with 158 points. Jaume Masia is 5th with 72. The Red Bull KTM Ajo duo now have a summer break and will be back in action at the Styria Grand Prix from August 6th-8th.

Results (Moto3 Race)
1. Dennis Foggia (Honda) 37:35.287
2. Sergio Garia (GASGAS) +0.078
3. Romano Fenati (Husqvarna) +0.207
4. Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) +1.352
5. Tatsuki Suzuki (Honda) +1.445
20. Jaume Masia (Red Bull KTM Ajo) +45.670

Moto3 World Championship Standing 2021
1. Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 158 points
2. Sergio Garcia (GASGAS) 110 points
3. Dennis Foggia (Honda) 86 points
4. Romano Fenati (Husqvarna) 80 points
5. Jaume Masia (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 72 points

Moto3 World Championship Team Standing 2021
1. Red Bull KTM Ajo 230 points
2. Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team 146 points
3. Indonesian Racing Gresini Moto3 117 points
4. Leopard Racing 116 points
5. Petronas Sprinta Racing 106 points

AKI AJO – TEAM MANAGER

“It was an intense round for us. On Saturday, we had our biggest challenge after the accident Pedro [Acosta] had with another rider in FP3. Fortunately, nothing more serious occurred and, although he had to spend time under observation in the hospital, this morning he was declared fit and was able to compete in the race. Despite this, he had an excellent contest. He was smart, made no mistakes and picked up points. Jaume [Masia] was progressing throughout the weekend and it seemed like he could do well today, but he had to serve a penalty and that ended his chances. Even so, we have to be happy with the team’s performance before the summer break and I hope that we can have more strong performances when we return.”

5 JAUME MASIA

“I tried my best to set my own pace, although it was quite tough due to the wind. In addition, after complying with the ride through I had no reference to follow, and no slipstreams. It was a difficult race for moving up positions. Now we have a break and, on our return, we will work hard to have a better second half to the season.”

37 PEDRO ACOSTA

“It was a tough contest for me, since yesterday’s crash in FP3 took its toll. However, we managed to complete the contest in fourth position which, in terms of the championship, means that we haven’t lost so many points. We go into the summer break feeling good, happy, and eager to use the rest to be prepared for Austria. We will start the second half of the season with two consecutive races, in which we will again give our all.”