Veijer holds an early advantage in Indonesia, Alonso P13

Moto3™ has landed at the Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit for an intense Round 15 of the season at the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia, with Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) topping the standings after an impressive Friday. The Dutchman destroyed the lap record, giving him a 0.154s advantage over the field as the only rider in the 1:37s. Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing) continued his impressive recent form in second, ahead of David Almansa (Kopron Rivacold Snipers Team), who claimed a strong P3 and set nearly 20 laps in Practice 1.

It was an eventful start to the weekend, with tricky conditions catching out a handful of riders in Free Practice, including Championship leader David Alonso (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) at Turn 4 – rider ok. Angel Piqueras (Leopard Racing) set a sensational pace, bagging top honours – and edging towards the lap record. Once Practice 1 began on Friday afternoon, Luca Lunetta (SIC58 Squadra Corse) would dip under the lap record first. However, there was plenty of action left in the final 10 minutes, with Veijer grabbing top spot – taking the fight to the Honda riders.

Matteo Bertelle (Kopron Rivacold Snipers Team) ended the day in fourth in front of Lunetta, who made it four Hondas inside the top five spots. The #58 was 0.284s adrift from top spot, placing ahead of the impressive Stefano Nepa (LEVELUP – MTA), who had a strong day. The Italian placed ahead of Round 12 winner Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) in seventh. Piqueras took eighth at the end of the day on the rookie’s first visit to the technical Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit.

Meanwhile, Ivan Ortola (MT Helmets – MSI) and Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP’s Tatsuki Suzuki rounded out an impressive top 10 as Ryusei Yamanaka (MT Helmets – MSI) took P11. Joel Kelso (BOE Motorsports) looked strong in Practice 1 after the #66 suffered a crash on Friday morning. Kelso claimed 12^th ahead of Championship leader Alonso, who, after some late times were cancelled, was promoted to 13^th as Scott Ogden (FleetSafe Honda - MLav Racing) was also promoted - claiming the final provisional Q2 spot.

Make sure you join us on Saturday as the action continues at Mandalika, with Practice 2 kicking off proceedings at 08:40 local time (UTC +8) before a thrilling qualifying gets underway at 12:50 (UTC +8)!

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