Algarve, Portugal, March 28 th 2023 - First win for Dani Holgado, podium for Tony Arbolino and first points for Augusto Fernandez... The first Grand Prix of the season was full of emotions for the Elf riders.
The Portuguese weekend started in a complicated way for the GASGAS Tech 3 team with the injury of their main rider, Pol Espargaro, following a heavy crash during the second practice session. The Spaniard will have to give up at least the next two races to recover. The only representative of the French team, Augusto Fernandez did not fail for his debut in MotoGP. Forced to retire in the sprint race due to a technical problem, the reigning Moto2 World Champion finished a fine thirteenth the following day, starting from 19th on the grid. I'm happy," said the Spaniard. I was looking forward to this first race. I struggled a bit in the first few laps but at the end my pace was very good. I still have a lot to learn but I'm happy with my debut."
The Elf Marc VDS Racing team were also satisfied with Tony Arbolino's first podium of the season. “After the difficulties we had in practice, I didn't expect to finish third," said the Italian at the end of the Moto2 race. “But I was mentally ready. The bike was working well, and I have the team to thank for that.” Sam Lowes crossed the finish line in seventh place. “I haven't had a real race since the German Grand Prix last July," admitted the Brit. “I didn't make a good start and the first few laps were difficult. But I recovered well, and I enjoyed myself moving up through the field. My shoulders are tired but that's normal. We'll keep working."
Dani Holgado could not have made a better start to his season. Fourth on the grid, the Spanish rider dominated the first race of the Moto3 championship from start to finish. Controlling David Muñoz and Diogo Moreira to the end, Holgado took his first Grand Prix victory. “The whole weekend has been fantastic," exclaimed Dani. “It's my first win, the first win for the Tech 3 team... I can't find the words to describe my joy. The only thing I can say is that we have been doing a great job since the Portimao test and it is paying off.” Filippo Farioli wasn’t so happy. The Italian crashed on the fourth lap of the race following a riding error. The CFMOTO Racing PruestelGP team's riders also made a good showing in the top ten. Xavi Artigas finished just ahead of his teammate Joel Kelso in eighth place. However, Kelso had a big scare when he crashed into the winner of the race at the finish line. Holgado stayed on his wheels, but Kelso fell violently. With an injured ankle, the Australian might have to miss the next race in Argentina.
| CATEGORY | RIDER | RACE | CHAMPIONSHIP |
|---|---|---|---|
| MOTOGP |
Pol Espargaro |
DNS |
|
|
Augusto Fernandez |
DNF and 13th |
15th(3 points) |
|
| MOTO2 |
Sam Lowes |
7th |
7th (9 points) |
|
Tony Arbolino |
3rd |
3rd (16 points) |
|
| MOTO3 |
Dani Holgado |
1st |
1th (25 points) |
|
Filippo Farioli |
DNF |
|
