Moto3: In his 86th Moto3™ Grand Prix, it’s finally gold for Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing) as he converted his pole position into victory in Valencia.
Always in contention and leading the majority of the 20-lapper, the Spaniard headed compatriot Alvaro Carpe (Red Bull KTM Ajo) and Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia). Elsewhere, sixth was good enough for Angel Piqueras (FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI) to wrap up P2 in the standings.
Stealing the advantage into Turn 1 and muscling his way through, Maximo Quiles (CFMOTO Valresa Aspar Team) got the initial holeshot but it was Fernandez who got back ahead at Turn 2. Starting from second, David Almansa (Leopard Racing) dropped initially but was into P2 by Turn 4 and led across the line at the end of Lap 1. A lap later however and he was pushed out by teammate Fernandez at Turn 14, sending him back to P8 and left with an uphill task.
Fernandez led the way ahead of Quiles whilst Luca Lunetta (SIC58 Squadra Corse) had got his way through the chaos and into the top three. The pace was fast at the front, with the leading eight riders all in a group, with Piqueras hoping to make up ground in ninth. By Lap 8, Almansa’s had recovered to fourth but soon found himself shuffled back again as Furusato, Lunetta, Carpe and Guido Pini (LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP) all pounced on the #22. There were no such problems for his teammate though as Fernandez continued to lead the way with Quiles right behind.
Into the second half of the Grand Prix and Fernandez was starting to put the hammer down, stretching the group with the fastest lap. Furusato had climbed into second ahead of Quiles and wasn’t done yet whilst Pini was giving chase in P4. A few bike lengths back, Carpe continued to battle with Lunetta but now detached from the group, Almansa was left to scrap it out with Piqueras and Marco Morelli (GRYD – MLav Racing) for P7.
Despite Fernandez trying to edge clear, he had company in the closing stages; it was a lead group of five going into the final lap and they all chased the #31. Carpe and Quiles battled through Turns 6 to 8 but Fernandez had it all sorted out. Despite Furusato’s best efforts into the final corner, it wasn’t enough.
Fernandez can now call himself a Grand Prix winner. Furusato crossed the line in P2 but due to exceeding track limits on the last lap, was demoted a place. Carpe inherited P2 for his joint-best finish of 2025, finishing in the same place he started back in Buriram. Both Carpe and Pini barged through on Quiles at the final corner with the #94 taking P4 whilst Quiles’ P5 means he’s third in the standings. Piqueras, Lunetta, Almansa, Jesus Rios (Rivacold Snipers Team) and Valentin Perrone (Red Bull KTM Tech 3) rounded out the top ten.
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