Category: Moto3

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David Muñoz wins final corner thriller at Aragon

A thrilling last corner overtake reminds us how close the racing is in Moto3™ . David Muñoz (LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP) finally broke through for his first Grand Prix victory at the GoPro Grand Prix of Aragon, pulling off a perfectly judged final-corner move on rookie star Maximo Quiles (CFMOTO Viel Aspar Team) to clinch the win by just 0.050 seconds.

Alvaro Carpe (Red Bull KTM Ajo) completed the podium, continuing his quietly impressive rookie campaign with a strong late-race charge. But it was a race to forget for his teammate and current points leader Jose Antonio Rueda, who had led for much of the contest before a costly last-lap error dropped him to P8 at the flag.

Photo Credit: Rob Gray (Polarity Photo)

Rueda nailed the holeshot and led through the opening sector, while Quiles rocketed through from the second row to slot into second by Turn 3. The duo quickly broke clear with Luca Lunetta (SIC58 Squadra Corse) and David Almansa (Leopard Racing) giving chase, forming an early lead group. But Moto3™ being what it is, the pack soon swelled again. Unfortunately, the field was down a rider early on as Jacob Roulstone (Red Bull KTM Tech3) retired with a mechanical issue, and Vicente Perez (LEVELUP-MTA) took out Stefano Nepa (SIC58) at Turn 9.

By Lap 12, the tide began to turn. Lunetta and Muñoz both made aggressive moves on Rueda, shuffling the #99 back to sixth. Almansa capitalized to hit the front with five laps remaining, his weekend pace finally converting into race-leading form. Behind him, Carpe, Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia), Angel Piqueras (FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI), Ryusei Yamanaka, and Joel Kelso (LEVELUP-MTA) kept the fight for the podium wide open.

Quiles reclaimed the lead with two laps to go, looking composed as the front group of ten barreled toward the finale. Muñoz hit back on the penultimate lap, but it was all to play for. Then came the mistake—Rueda ran deep into Turn 1 on the final lap, undoing all his earlier work and tumbling down the order.

Photo Credit: Gold & Goose / Red Bull Content Pool

Down the long back straight and into the final corner, Quiles held the advantage. But Muñoz, calm and calculating, made a clean, clinical move to dive up the inside. Quiles tried to retaliate with a final drag to the line but fell heartbreakingly short—just 0.050s the margin between victory and a continued wait for that first win.

David Almansa claimed a career-best P4, narrowly missing the podium but showing clear upward momentum. Lunetta and Piqueras followed in fifth and sixth, the latter closing the gap slightly in the Championship standings. Kelso crossed the line in seventh ahead of Rueda, whose P8 result leaves him with a bitter taste after leading so much of the race.

Ryusei Yamanaka and Cormac Buchanan completed the top ten, the New Zealander earning his best-ever result in Moto3™ after an assured ride. Taiyo Furusato, after his best-ever qualifying, just missed the top ten and had to settle for P11.

Photo credit: Gold & Goose / Red Bull Content Pool

Jose Antonio Rueda may have had a rough ride to P8 in Aragon, but his early-season dominance means he still holds a commanding 52-point lead in the Moto3™ World Championship. With 149 points, he remains the clear favourite—but that margin is beginning to look more manageable for the chasing pack.

Angel Piqueras  sits second on 97 points. The Spaniard hasn’t had the cleanest run of late, but consistent top-ten finishes and flashes of pace suggest he’s still the most likely challenger. A big result at the next round could really tighten things up.

Just behind, a cluster of riders are separated by less than a race win:

  • Joel Kelso (LEVELUP-MTA) – 86 pts

  • Alvaro Carpe (Red Bull KTM Ajo) – 85 pts

  • Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia) – 67 pts

Kelso has been in the mix regularly but still seeks a win. Carpe, meanwhile, is quietly having one of the best rookie seasons on the grid, now just 1 point off P3 in the standings. Furusato rounds out the top five and remains a wildcard threat—especially on Sundays.

Feature image credit: Gold & Goose / Red Bull Content Pool
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Rueda storms from the back to win at Silverstone

A group of motorcycle racers on a race track

Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) delivered a masterclass in comeback racing at the Tissot Grand Prix of the United Kingdom, charging from the back of the grid to claim his third consecutive victory — and one of the most impressive of his career. The Spaniard, who had taken pole before being penalized for riding significantly more slowly on the racing line, joined an elite club of riders to win from last, standing alongside the likes of Marc Marquez (Valencia 2012, Moto2™), Brad Binder (Jerez 2016, Moto3™), and David Alonso (Silverstone 2023, Moto3™).

Jose Antonio Rueda spraying Prosecco
Gold & Goose / Red Bull Content Pool

What followed was a clinical ride through the chaos of a classic Moto3™ lead group. Rueda got a solid launch and was already picking off riders into Turn 1, while teammate Alvaro Carpe grabbed the holeshot. By Lap 3, the #99 was leading the second group, and by Lap 4 he’d bridged the gap and joined the freight train at the front. With five laps to go, Rueda had cracked the top five—and not long after, he was at the head of the pack.

Still, he had to fight for the win. Rookie Maximo Quiles (CFMoto Valresa Aspar Team) impressed when he refused to back down, making it a thrilling final-lap showdown. The two went side-by-side through the final sector, with Quiles slightly wide at the final chicane. Rueda didn’t hesitate—diving up the inside and powering out of the last corner to snatch victory in a photo finish.

“I took making the comeback calmly because I knew the front group wasn’t going to break away, and we also had good pace, so we were able to be patient and attack at the right time” – Jose Antonio Rueda

Quiles, despite losing out by the narrowest of margins, still secured a stunning maiden podium in just his rookie season.

Luca Lunetta (SIC58 Squadra Corse) completed the podium in third, bouncing back impressively from a Long Lap penalty for contact with David Muñoz (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) earlier in the race.

A group of motorcycle racers on a race track
Rob Gray (Polarity Photo)

Just off the podium, Alvaro Carpe finished fourth ahead of fellow rookie Valentin Perrone (Red Bull KTM Tech3), with David Almansa (Leopard Racing), Guido Pini (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) fifth and sixth respectfully. Ryusei Yamanaka (FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI), Vicente Perez (LEVELUP-MTA), and Nicola Carraro (Rivacold Snipers Team) rounding out the top ten.

A late incident involving Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia) and Angel Piqueras (FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI) saw Piqueras crash out and Furusato hit with a Long Lap-equivalent 3 second time penalty. That moved home hero Scott Ogden (CIP Green Power) up to P11, followed by Furusato in P12. Jacob Roulstone (Red Bull KTM Tech3), Cormac Buchanan (DENSSI Racing – BOE), and Riccardo Rossi (Rivacold Snipers Team) all picked up points in the race.

Title photo credit: Rob Gray (Polarity Photo)

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Jose Antonio Rueda backflips to French GP glory

Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) channeled his inner Johann Zarco and gave us a backflip backflip in Le Mans after a sensational last-lap victory in the Michelin Grand Prix of France.

The #99 played it smart throughout the race, gradually moving through the lead group to sit third as the final lap began—just in time for chaos to erupt ahead of him.

Jose Antonio Rueda, Moto3, French MotoGP, 10 May 2025 // Gold & Goose / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202505100429 // Usage for editorial use only //
Photo Credit: Gold & Goose / Red Bull Content Pool

David Muñoz (Liqui Moly Intact GP) launched a bold late attack on race leader Joel Kelso (LEVELUP-MTA), the two colliding and running wide in the final corner complex. Rueda seized the moment, sweeping past both to snatch a dramatic win.

“I saw them go wide and just went for it,” he said. “You never know what can happen on the last lap in Moto3, so I stayed patient and it paid off. Winning at Le Mans like this feels incredible—this one is special.” – Jose Antonio Rueda

Muñoz was later penalized for the incident and dropped to third, promoting Kelso to second. It was a significant result for Rueda in the title fight too, as key championship rival Angel Piqueras (FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI) crashed out mid-race.

At lights out, rookie polesitter Max Quiles (CFMoto Gaviota Aspar Team) got the best launch, battling Kelso for early supremacy. The Australian eventually took control by the end of the opening lap and set the pace from the front, as the typical Moto3™ slipstream shuffle played out behind.

Photo Credit: Gold & Goose / Red Bull Content Pool

The lead group eventually narrowed to Kelso, Muñoz, rookie Guido Pini (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP), and Rueda after Piqueras’ exit. Pini’s hopes ended in a sudden crash, leaving a three-way fight for the win, with Alvaro Carpe (Red Bull KTM Ajo) in pursuit but just out of reach.

Kelso kept things tidy up front and seemed on course for victory—until Muñoz launched his final-corner lunge. The resulting contact pushed both riders wide, and Rueda needed no second invitation to sweep into the lead and take the flag.

Carpe came home fourth, narrowly missing out on the podium after the late drama, while David Almansa (Leopard Racing) led the second group to round out the top five. He was followed by Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia), a fading Quiles, Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing), Luca Lunetta (SIC58 Squadra Corse), and Argentine rookie Valentin Perrone (Red Bull KTM Tech3), who secured a strong P10 finish for the French squad.

Just outside the top ten were Dennis Foggia (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) and Scott Ogden (CIP Green Power), with Jacob Roulstone (Red Bull KTM Tech3), Cormac Buchanan (DENSSI Racing – BOE), and Nicola Carraro (Rivacold Snipers Team) all picking up points. Pini remounted to finish 17th, missing out on points but leaving France with plenty of attention after a standout qualifying and race showing.

Feature image photo credit: Gold & Goose / Red Bull Content Pool

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Spanish Delight: Rueda Dominates for Home Victory at Jerez

Winning at Jerez is the dream for every Spanish rider. This year, Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) turned that dream into reality, making the leap from passionate spectator to home hero. Dominating the Moto3™ race from start to finish, Rueda delivered an emotional victory in front of a raucous Andalusian crowd that was no doubt packed with his family, friends, and fans.

Starting from pole, Rueda wasted no time seizing the holeshot, leading the field into Turn 1 with the determination of a rider racing not just for points, but for pride. Early chaos, however, unfolded behind him: at Turn 6 on the opening lap, Ruche Moodley (DENSII Racing – BOE) clashed with David Almansa (Leopard Racing) and David Muñoz (LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP), two separate incidents converging into one messy moment. Muñoz, already facing a back-of-the-grid penalty for riding slowly on the racing line during qualifying, remounted and rejoined but was left with a mountain to climb.

Image Credit: PirelliMoto press release

The drama didn’t stop there. Lap 2 saw more casualties as Riccardo Rossi (Rivacold Snipers Team), Vicente Perez (LEVELUP-MTA), and Cormac Buchanan (DENSII Racing – BOE) all crashed out separately — underlining just how dirty the track was offline. Buchanan was able to remount and continue, but the early attrition was already reshaping the race.

Out front, Rueda was untouchable. Setting a relentless pace, he began to edge away from the chasing duo of Joel Kelso (LEVELUP-MTA) and Angel Piqueras (FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI), the three riders creating a clear gap back to Ryusei Yamanaka (FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI) and Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia), who rode lonely races in fourth and fifth.

Just past the halfway mark, Rueda fired in the fastest lap of the race, daring his rivals to keep up. Piqueras responded, launching a move on Kelso into Turn 1 on Lap 13. However, in his haste to close the gap to the leader, the #36 ran wide, handing second place straight back to Kelso and allowing Rueda to extend his lead to over 1.5 seconds.

Image Credit: PirelliMoto Press release

From there, the race was Rueda’s to lose — and he showed no signs of cracking. Calm and composed, he ticked off the final laps and crossed the line to achieve a lifelong dream: a dominant, emotional victory on home soil at Jerez.

The battle for second wasn’t over, though. On the final lap, Piqueras made another attempt, attacking Kelso at Turns 5 and 6. This time he made it stick, securing a Spanish 1-2 and sending the home crowd into celebration. The pair enjoyed a special moment together on their slow-down lap, saluting the fans at Turns 9 and 10.

Kelso claimed third — his second podium of the season — while Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing) produced a strong second half of the race to snatch fourth from Yamanaka. Furusato finished a solid sixth, followed by a career-best result for rookie Guido Pini (LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP) in seventh. Fellow JuniorGP™ graduate Alvaro Carpe (Red Bull KTM Ajo) finished eighth, while Jacob Roulstone and Valentin Perrone (both Red Bull KTM Tech3) completed the top ten, overcoming Long Lap penalties received for qualifying infractions.

Feature Image Credit: PirelliMoto Press release

 

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Moto3: Piqueras pinches the win

Angel Piqueras pinched the win across the line in a last lap thriller that sees him clinch the lead of the Moto3 world championship.

Angel Piqueras (FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI) takes the lead of the Moto3 Championship after edging out Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia) in a nail-biting drag to the line in Doha, winning by just 0.009 seconds. Ryusei Yamanaka (FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI) completed the podium from a maiden pole position. Meanwhile, drama struck late for Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo), who dropped out of the lead battle due to a mechanical issue with only a couple of laps remaining, turning the championship on its head heading to Jerez.

Two penalties were handed out pre race: Alvero Carpe (Red Bull KTM Ajo) had received a double long lap penalty for riding slow online and causing a crash (Scott Ogden, CIP Green Power) during qualifying. Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing) was handed a Long Lap penalty for causing a crash in practice.

Image Credit: Gold & Goose / Red Bull Content Pool

Yamanaka grabbed the holeshot and led the early charge as the usual Moto3 freight train formed almost instantly. Then came the first major shake-up — Dennis Foggia (CFMoto Gaviota Aspar Team) tangled with David Muñoz (LIQUI MOLY Husqvarna Intact GP), ending Foggia’s day early and knocking Muñoz out of the leading group.

Up front, a leading quartet of Yamanaka, Joel Kelso (LEVELUP – MTA), Rueda, and Piqueras began to break away, with a small gap back to David Almansa (Leopard Racing) in fifth. As the laps wound down, the group bunched up again before Almansa crashed out (later rejoining), and Riccardo Rossi (Rivacold Snipers Team) faded from contention—leaving five riders in the fight.

Image Credit: Pirelli press release

The pivotal moment came just before the final lap when Rueda abruptly sat up, smoke seen coming out of his machine – a mechanical problem ending his podium and victory hopes . That left Piqueras, Furusato, Yamanaka, and Kelso in a last-lap brawl for the win.

In classic Lusail fashion, it came down to the final stages of the race – across the line, as final as you can get. Furusato made his move at Turn 14 and led onto the straight, defending tightly on the inside. But Piqueras timed his run to perfection, using the slipstream to snatch victory by the narrowest of margins—0.009 seconds—denying Furusato a first Grand Prix win. Piqueras’ triumph sees him top Rueda and the lead in the standings.

Yamanaka held off Kelso to secure third, celebrating a strong weekend from pole to podium. Kelso had to settle for fourth, followed by Rossi, and a spirited recovery from Muñoz—who clawed his way back after being forced wide in the early chaos. He edged out SIC58 Squadra Corse teammates Luca Lunetta and Stefano Nepa, while Nicola Carraro (Rivacold Snipers Team) just beat top Guido Pini (LIQUI MOLY Husqvarna Intact GP) to ninth.

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Moto3: Piqueras takes top spot in Argentina

A group of motorcycle riders come towards a corner on a race track

A stunning last lap battle that came down to the last sector saw Angel Piqueras (FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI) pick up his first win of the 2025 season. He clinched the top spot in a race that saw many different leaders and some stunning overtakes. Second spot was secured in that same final sector by Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing) with last lap leader Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) taking the final spot on the podium.

Ruedas teammate rookie Alvaro Carpe was the leader at the end of the first lap, however after some fierce battling he crashed out. David Almansa (Leopard Racing) and Ryusei Yamanaka (FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI) also had turns leading the race, a lead group of 11 riders saw some fierce battles with Yamanaka coming home in P9 and Almansa in P6.

Polesitter Matteo Bertelle (LEVELUP MTA Team) looked strong throughout the race, leading for part of it but was unable to turn pole into a victory and had to settle for P4 which he clinched after Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia) exceeded track limits on the last lap demoting himself from P4 to P5.

Luca Lunetta (SIC58 Squadra Corse) came home in P7 after an uneventful race, he came in ahead of Joel Kelso (LEVELUP – MTA Team) in P8 whos performance is impressive when his ride included two trips through the long lap penalty loop after some irresponsible riding.

The top 10 was rounded off with Stefano Nepa (SIC58 Squadra Corse) in what was a cracking weekend of Moto3 action.

Feature Image Credit: Pirelli

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David Alonso Claims Stunning 6th Consecutive Victory at Sepang

It seems now that writing ‘David Alonso wins…’ is getting slightly repetitive, but that is the reality of what this phenomenal young talent is accomplishing. Alonso claimed his 13th win of the season and 6th consecutive victory at the Malaysian Grand Prix, mirroring some of the great feats achieved by Marc Marquez. Though this triumph would call for huge celebrations, the podium was a solemn one, dedicated to Valencia following the recent floods.

The CFMoto Gaviota Aspar team, based in Valencia, celebrated their new world champion as he triumphed at Sepang, donating his win bonus to the team’s GoFundMe to aid the region impacted by the disaster.

On race day, Alonso started third on the grid at the Sepang circuit. He dropped back to eleventh on lap three after avoiding Daniel Holgado, who fell off his bike, but quickly set to work moving up the field, where he soon found himself back in the leading group.

While in third, Alonso closed the gap to front-runners Joel Kelso and Taiyo Furusato, claiming second with seven laps remaining. Once in the lead, Alonso proved unstoppable, even recovering from a wide run that saw him clip the kerb.

In a standout performance, Honda Team Asia’s Taiyo Furusato, who started 17th, surged through the field, reaching the top ten within a lap. From there, the Japanese rider pressed on, eventually leading the race but narrowly missed the win by just 0.088 seconds.

Ortola, who had a strong start, ultimately finished fourth for MT Helmets.

Jose Antonio Rueda, who started tenth on the grid, also delivered a strong performance. He charged up to third on the penultimate lap, overtaking Ivan Ortola at the start of the final lap to claim the final podium spot for Red Bull KTM Ajo.

 

Featured image courtesy of Gold & Goose/Red Bull Content Pool

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Moto3 Thai GP: David Alonso Makes History with 12th Win, Surpassing Valentino Rossi’s Record

David Alonso delivered yet another calculated and precise performance to take the top spot for the twelfth time this season, officially breaking Valentino Rossi’s 1997 record of 11 wins in a single season in the same class. Alonso’s remarkable achievement solidifies his dominance in Moto3 with the Aspar team, where the high standards he’s set mean that any race without a victory feels almost disappointing.

Following earlier rain, race officials declared the race as wet and shortened the distance from 19 laps to 12.

The race began in damp conditions, with the Top 5 holding their positions off the start. Early on, light rain brought the threat of a full wet race, but the rain quickly subsided, allowing the riders to push forward under the same damp but stable conditions.

Alonso initially took control on Lap 3 after having started fifth, however he soon had to contend with the Honda Team Asia rider Taiyo Furusato, who took the lead for a few laps before Alonso once again reclaimed his position at the front.

Ivan Ortola (MT Helmets – MSI), who started from ninth on the grid carved through the field to reach second place with just two laps remaining, where he appeared ready to challenge Alonso’s lead in the final moments.

In classic Moto 3 fashion, chaos ensued in the final corner of the final lap. Ortola, in a bid to close the gap, nearly collided with Alonso, creating a huge moment which cost Ortola second place and allowed Luca Lunetta (SIC58 Squadra Corse), Furusato and Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna), to come through.

Ortola ultimately finished 4th.

Sadly for Furusato, in the exit of that final corner, running in third, he collided with Collin Veijer on the exit, who had dived inside to capitalize on a move made by Luca Lunetta (who started tenth and fought his way to the front) on Furusato to take second place. Furusato was thrown off, sliding down the straight beside his bike. Luckily after the race his position was reinstated to 5th place, as both he and his bike crossed the finish line.

Disaster for Leopard Racing as teammates Angel Piqueras and Adrian Fernandez collided on Lap 11, with Piqueras attempting an aggressive pass that ended in both riders being taken out of the race.

In yet another thrilling Moto3 race, David Alonso’s performance shone as he cemented his place in the record books with his twelfth win of the season, surpassing a 26 year-old milestone and setting a new standard for Moto3 excellence.

Featured image courtesy of Intact GP

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Moto3: Win No.7 for Alonso in Spielberg!

Image Credit: @AsparTeam on X

David Alonso (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) with a long lap penalty (LLP) charged his way back through the pack to take victory here in Austria. It was a superb comeback after taking his first ever LLP and punished the rest of the field. Alonso celebrated and showed us the dance moves to match his riding skills  in the LLP loop.

It will take something monumental now for the rest  of the season for any rider to stop Alonso winning the championship this season. 71pts adrift to Alonso in the championship, Ivan Ortola (MT Helmets – MSI) had a perfect Saturday but a nightmare Sunday starting from the back of the grid for the race.  Ortola fought hard though to finish 9th and clearly would of had a chance at victory today had Ortola started from pole.

David Munoz (BOE Motorsports) after a manic battle snatched 2nd place away from Daniel Holgado (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) on the line who finished in 3rd. It was a great race today in the Styrian mountains!

AS IT HAPPENED

Ortola was nowhere to be seen at the front of the grid as the riders got underway in the overcast conditions. Joel Kelso (BOE Motorsport) with a great start and into the lead on the first lap as Alonso was up and attacking Holgado for 2nd after starting 6th on the grid.

Alonso and Holgado diced with each other and was enough for Munoz to dive by and up into 2nd. At the end of lap 1 it was both BOE Motorsports riders leading the way in Austria.

Lap 2 and a lead group started to develop in the race with 6 riders at the front. Alonso and Piqueras took their long lap penalties and re-joined the race in 10th and 11th places. Across the line and to start lap 3, Munoz with the slip stream looked at the inside line for turn 1, but Kelso full of confidence defended the move last on the brakes.

Championship leader Alonso now up into 8th place and had a mountain to climb 3.5seconds back to the leaders. Holgado seemed to be relaxed at this point in 3rd, keeping pace with the squabbling BOE Motorsport teammates ahead of him.

As Ryusei Yamanaka (MT Helmets – MSI) had a scare almost losing the front, Alonso went by up into 6th. Pole sitter and race winner last time out at Silverstone, Ortola set the fastest lap of the race at the quarter race distance. Ortola still keen to get on with business despite the nightmare start.

Lap 7 and into turn 1 Kelso was late on the brakes and held onto the lead but Holgado’s patience had left him staring at the back of Munoz’ wheel. Holgado went by Munoz up into 2nd into turn 1 and was now gunning for Kelso. As a track limits warning was issued for Kelso, Holgado into the last sector  of the lap blasted up the inside of Kelso into the lead of the race.

As we approached the half way race distance, the 3 way fight for the win became a 7 way fight for the win with newly promoted to Moto2 Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) catching and dispatching Kelso up to 3rd.

11 laps to go, Holgado lead to Munoz 2nd and Veijer in 3rd. Kelso, Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo), Alonso and Angel Piqueras (Leopard Racing) were all still with a shout of taking victory at this point. Veijer continued his charge and up into 2nd going by Munoz,

Lap 11 of 20 and Veijer down the hill into turn 9 hit the front of the Grand Prix for the first time. Rueda shoulder barged his way by Kelso which shoved Kelso to the back of the lead group.

Turn 9 seemed to be a favourite spot for everyone as Veijer went by Holgado to retake the lead of the race. Every rider in the lead group were fighting and dicing with each other in an epic battle in Spielberg.

Alonso even with a long lap penalty was back now up into 2nd as Munoz and Piqueras fought with each other through turn 1.

Into the last quarter of the race, pole sitter Ortola fought his way back up to 9th after starting in the pit lane. Veijer lead from Alonso in 2nd and Munoz in 3rd. Holgado and Piqueras went by Munoz as the lead group order was ever changing. Down the hill into turn 9 Alonso went by Veijer to take the lead of the race for the first time.

Into the last few laps and Alonso lead the field through turn 6 as Munoz and Holgado were on the back of Alonso’s wheel. A couple of tenths separated Holgado to Veijer and Piqueras behind. The lead group shrunk to 5 at this point all still in contention to take the win in the last couple of laps.

THE LAST LAP

Championship leader Alonso took us across the line to start the final lap. Both Munoz and Holgado bombed into turn 1 with Munoz coming off worse and ran wide re-joining into 4th place.

Piqueras now up into 3rd and looked to go up to 2nd by Holgado but unable to make it stick in the early part of the lap. Dropping down through turn 6 it was still Alonso leading from Holgado fending off Piqueras in 3rd.

Munoz out of nowhere rubbed shoulders and barged by Piqueras into 3rd.  Across the line Alonso held on to take victory and Munoz snatched 2nd place away from Holgado who took 3rd.

Alonso on fire today and danced in the long lap penalty loop. What a rider and what a race in Moto3!

Race Classification 

Image Credit: MotoGP
Image Credit: MotoGP

 

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Moto3: Ortola Takes Pole in Spielberg!

Image Credit: MotoGP

Fresh off his promotion into Moto2 for next season and in the form of his life. Ivan Ortola (MT Helmets – MSI) took pole position today in the Syrian mountains! The 3rd pole position of the season for Ortola and will be eager to catch David Alonso (CFMOTO Aspar Team) in the championship in the second half of the season.

It was a 6th front row start of the season for Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) in 3rd and Aussie Joel Kelso (BOE Motorsports) qualified in 2nd. Championship leader Alonso starts from 6th on the grid in tomorrow’s race.

AS IT HAPPENED

Qualifying 1

Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing) and Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia) were some of the big names in Q1 in the glorious Austrian sunshine.

Scott Ogden (MLav Racing) took a tumble early on in the session at turn 2 and quickly got back up to his feet in frustration. As sector 1 waved yellow flags, the first batch of riders crossed the line with Furusato sat at the top of the timings.

After the first few spins on the circuit, the top 4 with half of the session remaining headed through to Q2 were Furusato, Fernandez, Nicola Carraro (MTA Team) and Vicente Perez (MLav Racing).

3mins left of the session and all of the riders headed back out of the pits for their final attempts. As per usual in Moto3, the riders all slowly made their way out of the pits and picked who to follow on the lap.

Riders nearly pushed each other onto the grass in their final flying lap, but only 1 change in the top 4 as Furusato topped the session with a 1:40.882. The top 4 headed through to Q2 were Furusato, Fernandez, Tatsuki Suzuki (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) and Luca Lunetta (SIC58 Squadra Corse).

Qualifying 2

The battle for pole position was on in the Styrian mountains and after the first batch of laps tumbled through, Daniel Holgado (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) sat a the top for a moment briefly before Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) marched to the top of the timings. We were still waiting on championship leader David Alonso (CFMOTO Aspar Team) to post a time at this point.

Alonso crossed the line and went up onto the front row after the first run into 3rd. Holgado sat on provisional pole with 7mins still left of the session.

Back out for the 2nd runs and Kelso blasted his way up to provisional pole just as Rueda crashed at turn 10. Rueda quickly got back on his KTM Ajo machine and back into the action. Veijer went up to 2nd with all to play for now as the final seconds ticked away in the session.

Into the last attempts at pole and with a slipstream to the line Ortola jumped up into pole as Kelso went down at turn 2. No final pole attempt for Kelso as Alonso went through but only qualified in 6th place. As David Munoz (BOE Motorsports) crossed the line into 9th, Ortola celebrated another pole position. A great qualifying session for the MT Helmets – MSI rider.

Classification

Image Credit: MotoGP
Image Credit: MotoGP
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