David Alonso snatched the double on the finish line of race two at Portimão, the Colombian therefore winning both races in Portugal’s Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup opener at the weekend.
And while the experienced Alonso was impressing at the front, New Zealand’s Red Bull Rookies first-timer Cormac Buchanan battled to stay in touch, the 14-year-old from Invercargill eventually settling for 22nd in race one and 20th in race two.
That gave Buchanan a share of 19th overall for the event.
“That’s a wrap for the adrenalin-pumping Portimao and round one of the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup,” said Buchanan afterwards.
“The forward trajectory continues in the right direction and I’m stoked to secure P20 (in race two). There were some intense tussles out there, particularly with Northern Talent Cup champion Görbe Soma.
“The race wasn’t without drama for me with a massive moment where my leg suddenly appeared where my arms should be!
“I clocked up a PB lap time of 1.54.3, so I leave here smiling and satisfied with the process made as I continue to learn the dynamics of my new KTM RC250R machine.
“Thanks to dad Stacey Buchanan, my mechanic Aleix and the wider Rookies coaches and crew for an unforgettable debut in the MotoGP paddock.”
In terms of the battle at the front, it was 15-year-old Spaniard Daniel Holgado who led out of the last corner in race two.
But the 14-year-old Alonso was perfectly positioned and stole the win out of the slipstream with Àlex Millan, the 16-year-old Spaniard, on their tail in third.
Alonso did most of the leading after taking over from pole man Diogo Moreira after the 16-year-old Brazilian again made a great start and headed the KTM RC250R horde on lap one.
Unlike race one, Alonso could not break away but looked cool in front while the pack on his heels fought it out with typical Rookies intensity.
David Muñoz just missed the podium with 4th ahead of Matteo Bertelle and Ivan Ortolá. Marcos Uriarte was challenging for the podium, slid off on the last lap but remounted to take 9th
“It was in incredible, I made a very good race,” said Alonso.
“It was different from yesterday because yesterday I won alone and today I won in a fight to the line. That is very positive for me, to win in these two ways.
“I made a good start, even better than yesterday. Then the same strategy, I tried to make my pace and go alone but the other riders improved, they were stronger than yesterday and I couldn’t get away.
“I was still pushing the group because I felt strong and I waited for the last laps. Then in the last five laps I tried to push a little bit more but it was impossible so I maintained there. In the last two laps I tried to be in a good position for the last lap.
“I could do it because on the last lap I was second and that was perfect. I tried to hold second through the lap and at the last corner I prepared and I passed Holgado.
“I am super super happy because I learned from last year how to manage the last laps, where to overtake and I felt strong with the bike also, it is an amazing feeling. Now we have to keep working hard in Jerez.”
Photo courtesy Red Bull
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