David Alonso, the promising Colombian rider, faced challenges during his debut Moto2 qualifying session at the Thailand Grand Prix held at the Chang International Circuit. The young athlete, 18 years old, clocked his personal best of 1:35.441 but fell short of advancing to the second qualifying round, starting the race from 25th position.
Transitioning from Moto3, where he previously dominated with 14 wins out of 20 races, includes adjusting to the higher speeds and different handling of the Moto2 bikes. He recognized the difficulty of this move, stating, "I have to focus on the last part of the circuit and how to extract more potential from the bike for the race." His team affirmed his aim is to use these initial races as learning experiences rather than placing heavy expectations on immediate results.
Alonso's teammate, Dani Holgado, qualified significantly higher at 15th position, showcasing the competitive edge present within the team. The pole position for the race went to Spain’s Manuel "Manugas" González, who achieved his second career pole with a time of 1:34.634.
Despite the pressures of the sport, Alonso remains focused on his adaptation process and is optimistic about improving his time and overall performance as the season progresses. Commenting on his qualifying experience, he reflected, "I paid for some mistakes made during training. There were some days when the heat was unbearable and our bikes were extremely hot, making it difficult to maintain optimal performance levels.”
His performance during the Friday practice sessions led to high expectations, but the intense competition means every rider, including previous champions and notable peers, faced similar challenges. Other notable riders who failed to qualify for Q2 included Collin Veijer, 2024 Moto3 World Champion, and other strong contenders.
Analyzing his first challenge, Alonso’s coaches and sports analysts suggest the young racer should prioritize gaining track experience and gradually improving through the season's races. His earlier success puts him under the community's watchful eye, but experts suggest he should focus on making steady progress instead of seeking immediate perfection.
"It’s all about building. Focusing on making solid connections during every lap will give him the experience he needs to become competitive again," noted journalist Jaime Martín, emphasizing the importance of patience and strategic growth over immediate results.
The climate at the Chang International Circuit adds another layer of complexity, with extreme temperatures affecting both the riders and their machines. The team indicated adjustments would take time, and Alonso is committed to refining his strategies during the races to improve his placement gradually.
Sunday’s race is the first of 22 events this Moto2 season and all eyes will be on Alonso to see how he adapts during the competition. His determination to learn as he races is clear, with aspirations to build on his Moto3 achievements. Following the race, the Colombian rider aims to reflect on his experiences and adjust his approach based on what he encounters on the track.