In just his fifth appearance of the JuniorGP season, Ethan Sparks delivered a standout performance at Round 6 in Barcelona, securing a hard fought P9 and signalling once again why he remains one of Britain’s most exciting young prospects.
Qualifying P11 out of a 30-strong field, Sparks put himself firmly in the mix from the outset. Sunday’s race saw him latch onto the front group and stay there, ultimately crossing the line a mere 1.2 seconds behind the race winner. For a rider still finding his rhythm in a championship, the result marks an important milestone.
“Battling with the leading pack has always been my goal in the ETC”
Sparks’ JuniorGP campaign has been anything but straightforward. Schedule clashes with the British Talent Cup ruled him out of Rounds 4 and 5, forcing him to rebuild momentum at one of the season’s most demanding circuits. But his Barcelona ride made one thing clear: his development curve is only steepening.
Looking ahead, the 2026 season is already shaping up to be a defining chapter. Sparks has secured a much coveted place in the Red Bull Rookies Cup, one of the most prestigious stepping stones in motorcycle racing. Though invited to attend the full selection process, he received an automatic promotion thanks to earning his British Talent Cup Championship win, bypassing the try outs entirely.
“I’m really pleased with my pace in the race. Battling with the leading pack has always been my goal in the ETC. Even though I finished P9, my best result so far in this championship, I know exactly where I need to improve heading into Valencia. Racing in this series is the highest level I can compete at right now, and the aggression and hunger to win are incredible. Every session and every race are teaching me something new and helping me prepare for my 2026 season.”
With confidence high, lessons banked, and Valencia on the horizon, Ethan Sparks continues to build the foundations of what promises to be a standout international career.
