Dani Holgado and David Alonso are aiming to secure a top-five finish in the overall standings in their final season in the intermediate class
Dani Holgado and David Alonso continue their Asian tour after bidding farewell to one of the most legendary circuits on the calendar last week. The last grand prix at Phillip Island was even sadder than usual after no category, including Moto2, was able to contest Sunday’s race due to weather conditions, which prevented the medical helicopter from taking off because of poor visibility. Malaysia is the next stop for the CFMOTO RCB Aspar Team, the second in a trio of races that will conclude in Qatar next week. Holgado and Alonso put in a good performance in Australia, which will allow them to continue with the consistency and solidity already shown in previous races. The weekend at Sepang could be a good opportunity for both of them, especially given their strong performances there last year: Alonso finished second and Holgado fourth. The Spaniard also secured pole position after becoming the first Moto2 rider to lap the Malaysian circuit in under 2:03.
With 100 points still up for grabs, the riders from the CFMOTO RCB Aspar Team still have a chance to fight for the bronze medal in Moto2. Holgado is fourth, 21.5 points behind third-placed Iván Ortolá, whilst Alonso is fifth, 25.5 points behind. With just four points separating the team-mates, both are working to consolidate second place in the team standings. The battle for the championship remains very tight, although the cancellation of the Australian round has worked in favour of the leader, Manu González, who secures the top spot for at least another week. Izan Guevara, in second place, is just 5.5 points behind.
Dani Holgado: “We’re really looking forward to Malaysia. I think I was doing a good job in Australia, being consistent and very solid. I could have fought for a top-five finish, but this weekend we have another chance. I have very fond memories of this track: last year I took pole position – it was undoubtedly the best of my career. We’ll carry on working in the same way.”
David Alonso: “This weekend in Malaysia I’ll try to keep pushing the bike to its limits and enjoy the last few races I have left in Moto2. I want to enjoy every lap, do it for myself and test my own limits. We’ll try to have as solid a weekend as possible. It’s also a track where it often rains, just like in Australia, but the conditions and the weather are completely different because it’s very hot. If that’s the case, we’ll make the most of it to improve in the wet.”
