Having recently turned 18, David Alonso has made history. He crowned his dream over the Motegi weekend by becoming Moto3 world champion, the first Colombian rider to do so. He did it in the best possible way, with a win, and with a full four races to go. He is young, exudes kindness and a hint of embarrassment when talking to journalists, but on the track he turns into a hunter who has spared none of his rivals this year. A domination, that of the Colombian rider, which is also reflected in the 10 season victories that elevate him to the level of riders like Marc Marquez, Fausto Gresini, Joan Mir. One more would be enough to equal Rossi's record in 1997, and with four rounds left on the calendar the chances of that happening are very much intact.
It is understandable, then, how the world championship and the non-MotoGP riders, from Bagnaia to Marquez to Quartararo to Martin, have expressed nothing but words of support for the youngster since the start of the championship. The same ones who waited for him in the pitlane yesterday on his return to the pits for a greeting that for a young rider is perhaps worth more than a thousand trophies, because when the 'big guns' wait for you in MotoGP it means you have the makings of a champion. The first big step is taken, but as Marquez says "don't put pressure on the boy, he needs time and he will make mistakes, but I hope he will be a great champion in the future."
"The first part of the race was not easy," said the newly crowned Moto3 champion David Alonso, "I don't know why at the beginning I had so much difficulty following the front group, my mind was still on the crash, at every corner I kept thinking I could lose the front. I wasn't going anywhere, so with 10 laps to go I told myself I had to change something. I emptied my mind, the feeling improved. At the beginning of the race I was already not thinking about the title, but at that moment I told myself I could do it. When I took the lead at that point I only tried to do perfect laps."
How does it feel to be the 2024 Moto3 world champion?
"It's a really strange feeling, I can't explain why I don't feel like crying now but I did last night. I think it's because of the shock and I haven't realized it yet. With three laps to go I imagined the finish line, and when I had the chance I took it. Compared to 2023, which went by in a flash, this 2024 went by really slowly."
You are the first Colombian to win the title, and with this tenth win you are the winningest rider in Moto3, by number of category wins you are on par with Joan Mir, Marc Marquez and Fausto Gresini.
"Yes, there are a lot of emotions, it's a good statistic that you don't think about when you're on the track though. These are things you think about when the race is over. My dream was to win the title with a victory. I think I will celebrate this week and not train too much, but there are still four races left and I don't want to slow down out of respect for the team and the sponsors who support me. Staying competitive will also help me prepare for next season in Moto 2."
One more win and you would equal Rossi's record in 1997.
"Of course I would like to win another race, so far with the team we have done a fantastic job. We'll see what happens, there are only four races left until the end of the season. It will be a fun goal to chase, but even if it doesn't come it will still be okay. I want to enjoy these last races in Moto3, because when I got on the bike for the first time at the beginning of the season I called the mechanic you saw me celebrating with and told him I had the same feelings as when I entered the European Talent Cup in 2020 and won it. The same feelings as when I entered the Rookies Cup, so I told him that this was the right season, the bike was one with me."
Who has been the most difficult rival to beat this season?
"One of the biggest difficulties this year, but it was also one of the things I liked the most, was that there was never just one rival but always at least three. When you only have one rival to beat, I don't want to say it's easier, but you only have to focus on one rider. Three on the other hand is a lot. Maybe one of your rivals is stronger than you in one aspect, another one is in another. Having fought against Veijer, Horgado and Ortolà made me a better rider. Mentally it was hard to handle this but it was good to fight with them, with some we have known each other since we were kids so the fact that we have now raised the level in the championship between us has made the championship special."
What has been the defining moment for you this season?
"There has not been just one. Certainly the tests at the beginning of the season were the key to getting off to the best start. The win in Austin with a big lead was important, I really wanted to win with a big gap from my rivals. More recently Misano 2 was very important, I was coming from some difficult races and coming back to win was the shot I needed."
Since the beginning of the season, many champions like Bagnaia, Marquez and Quartararo have never hidden their admiration and support for you. How does this make you feel?
"It's great to share the paddock with the MotoGP riders. I have a great relationship with all of them. They supported me and always gave me advice. Even this weekend whenever I had the chance, I asked the world champions how to approach a title challenge. So to see them there today on my return to the pitlane, along with many other people from the paddock, and to come up to me and shake my hand was a beautiful moment."