Veijer pips Piqueras as lap records continue to fall

It was a hectic start to Saturday at the Motul TT Assen, with Moto3™ kicking off proceedings ahead of the action-packed day. Home hero Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) continued to lead the way ahead of qualifying – breaking the lap record. The #95 left it late, setting a 1:39.703 in the final minute of the session to the relief of the Dutch crowd. Veijer pipped Angel Piqueras (Leopard Racing) as the chequered flag flew, with the Spaniard impressing on Saturday morning. The rookie was ahead of some big names including Ivan Ortola (MT Helmets – MSI), who was fast throughout the session before finishing in third – 0.087s shy from the top spot.

There was drama throughout the session with Riccardo Rossi (CIP Green Power) crashing at turn 7, seconds before Filippo Farioli (SIC58 Squadra Corse) had a fall of his own. However, track action would continue and the pace would heat up in the final 10 minutes with Ortola becoming the first Moto3™ rider to enter the 1:39 bracket.

Further back fourth place went the way of BOE Motorsports’ David Muñoz who shot up the order ahead of David Alonso (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team), who is yet to top a session this weekend as qualifying looms. Behind the #80 was Ryusei Yamanaka (MT Helmets – MSI), who worked with Ortola throughout the session to claim a solid sixth place ahead of Joel Kelso (BOE Motorsports). The Australian set 15 laps across the session and was a further 0.089s ahead of Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia), who finished in a solid P8.

Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing) was ninth and once again inside the top 10 as he continues to show consistent pace at Assen. Luca Lunetta (SIC58 Squadra Corse) rounded out the top 10 ahead of Daniel Holgado (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) and Stefano Nepa (LEVELUP – MTA). Meanwhile, the final spots for direct entry to Q2 went the way of MLav Racing’s Scott Ogden and David Almansa (Kopron Rivacold Snipers Team). This leaves some huge names to battle it out in Q1 including Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo), who has work to do after finishing Practice 2 down in 17^th.

It is nearly time for qualifying at 12:50 local time (UTC +2) which sets the grid for Sunday, so make sure you don’t miss any of the action and tune in on motogp.com!

Combined top 10:

FULL RESULTS!