Alonso claims top spot ahead of Fernandez on Friday

David Alonso (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) started his weekend at the Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia in style, snatching the top spot on the opening day of action. The Colombian set a 2:11.241, edging towards the lap record and ending the day with a 0.216s advantage over the impressive Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing). The #31 was consistent on the opening day, carrying momentum from Friday morning before spending the majority of Practice 1 in P1. Fernandez ended the day in second, placing ahead of Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia). The #72 will be aiming for a good result in Malaysia after missing out on a podium last time out.

Free Practice kicked off the weekend’s action, with a wet track at the start of proceedings and Angel Piqueras (Leopard Racing) securing the top spot on Friday morning. As Practice 1 got underway on Friday afternoon, Fernandez took the advantage early on before fast laps began to arrive in a frantic final five minutes. Alonso improved, leaping from outside the top 10 to P1, stealing top honours from the Honda rider.

Ryusei Yamanaka (MT Helmets – MSI) continued his fine form, ending the day in fourth – less than half a second adrift from Alonso. The #6 was ahead of Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP’s Collin Veijer, with the Dutchman setting over 10 laps across the afternoon. Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) claimed sixth and was in front of Daniel Holgado (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) in a tight midfield. Holgado was seventh ahead of Red Bull GASGAS Tech3 teammate Jacob Roulstone, who continued to find time throughout the day.

Further back, Scott Ogden (FleetSafe Honda - MLav Racing) and Tatsuki Suzuki (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) rounded out the top 10 as Piqueras took 11^th on his first visit to Sepang. Luca Lunetta (SIC58 Squadra Corse) was 12^th, while Joel Kelso (BOE Motorsports) and Stefano Nepa (LEVELUP – MTA) rounded out the top 14. Some big names are now left with work to do on Saturday, most notably Ivan Ortola (MT Helmets – MSI), with the #48 finishing Day 1 in 16^th.

Make sure you set your alarms as Moto3™ returns for further drama at the Petronas Sepang International Circuit, with Practice 2 starting Saturday’s action at 8:40 local time (UTC +8) before qualifying begins at 12:50 (UTC +8)!

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