Solid Start for Dan in Albacete CEV Opener

Estrella Galicia 0,0/Honda rider Jeremy Alcoba took victory, narrowly ahead of Makar Yurchenko with Juame Masia on the final podium spot in the opening FIM Moto3 Junior World Championship round of the season at Albacete in Spain. Dan Jones had a solid start in his first race in the series finishing in 17th place after having made up 17 places during the 19 lap race.

The Racing Steps Foundation-backed rider struggled in the previous day’s soaking wet qualifying session and had to make his way through the field from 34rd place on the grid.

But race day on Sunday was dry and sunny and Dan racing the KTM GP bike for the first time made an excellent getaway moving through to 30th position on the opening lap.

Dan continued building his pace and by lap seven he had progressed up to 23rd. However he was now 2.3 seconds behind his closest rival Gerard Riu ahead. Over the next 9 laps he worked away without a slipstream and managed to close and take Rui. Over the next four laps he pulled a two and half second gap on Riu but had no chance to catch Jose Garcia who was some six seconds ahead.

Dan crossed the line in17th position.

Dan Jones
‘P34 to P17, a great way to end a difficult weekend, but I really enjoyed it and have learnt so much. Said Dan, ‘It wouldn’t have been possible without such an amazing team, thanks to all the guys. Having done my first race on the new bike I feel more confident now and am looking forward to the next in Le Mans.’