Moto2 Debut: David Alonso Eyes Strong Start in Thailand Grand Prix
Reigning Moto3 world champion David Alonso is gearing up for a strong start in his debut Moto2 season at this weekend’s Thailand Grand Prix (GP) at the Chang International Circuit. The 18-year-old rider, who has been promoted to Moto2 this season with the CFMOTO Aspar Team, is, however, setting modest goals for himself, acknowledging that competing in a new class is a significant challenge.
Modest Expectations
Speaking to the media after signing a brand ambassador deal with RCB, a leading aftermarket high-performance motorcycle parts and accessories provider, Alonso emphasized that his primary objective for the first race is to complete the event without crashing and learn from the experience. "The first target for the first race is to see the chequered flag and learn from the big boys there. When you jump to a new category, no matter whether you know the track or not, it’s a new track," he said.
Pre-Season Preparations
Alonso, who has been fully recovered from a shoulder injury sustained during training in Cartagena, Spain, last month, has been putting in the hard work to prepare for the new season. "The first season will be challenging, but you can’t lose your way. You need to stay calm in those moments to improve race by race. The preparations have been good; we did a lot of laps in two pre-season tests, probably about 200 laps," he explained.
Moto2 Debut
Alonso, one of the most highly anticipated rookies this season, won the Moto3 world championship last year with a record-breaking 14 victories and had an impressive full-season debut in 2023, securing eight podiums, including four wins, to finish in the top three overall.
Partnership with RCB
Alonso and MKA Group chief executive officer Bruce Lee Cong Quan signed the agreement at Sepang International Kart Circuit, marking a significant partnership between RCB and the young rider. "Alonso was chosen due to his passion for racing and commitment to excellence, which perfectly align with the brand’s core values," said MKA Group marketing director Marcus Leong. "The partnership is not only about expanding RCB’s global presence but also reinforcing the local motorsport community by connecting with riders and fans who share a deep passion for the sport, in conjunction with RCB’s 30th anniversary."
Conclusion
As David Alonso embarks on his Moto2 journey, he will be looking to build on his impressive rookie season in 2023 and make a strong impression in the new class. With his passion for racing and commitment to excellence, he is well-equipped to succeed in the highly competitive world of Moto2.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are your goals for the first race in the Thailand Grand Prix?
A: My primary objective is to complete the event without crashing and learn from the experience.
Q: How do you feel about competing in a new class?
A: It’s a new challenge, but I’m excited to take it on and learn as much as I can.
Q: How do you plan to approach the season?
A: I’ll take it one race at a time, focusing on improving with each race and staying calm under pressure.
Q: What do you hope to achieve in the Moto2 season?
A: I hope to learn and improve with each race, and ultimately, to become a top contender in the class.