Moto3’s opening day of action concluded with Championship leader Maximo Quiles (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) setting a new lap record and setting himself as a favourite for honours this weekend.
A 2:13.757 saw him ease to the top of the standings ahead of Guido Pini (Leopard Racing) and Alvaro Carpe (Red Bull KTM Ajo), although there’ll be plenty of surprises across Saturday and Sunday.
New lap record bagged, Quiles was in fine form to lead the charge into Saturday at COTA as the Championship leader set to work straight away and never dropped out of the top two positions, eventually securing P1. Guido Pini (Leopard Racing) was the first rider into the 2’13s and his lap time was good enough for second at the chequered flag, whilst Alvaro Carpe (Red Bull KTM Ajo), who was fastest in the morning session, was able to complete the top three.
Just in behind them was COTA podium finisher from 12 months ago, Matteo Bertelle (LEVELUP-MTA). The Italian flew up the order into the top three before finishing fourth, just ahead of Valentin Perrone (Red Bull KTM Tech 3) and Joel Esteban (LEVLUP-MTA). Other highlights from the session included Joel Kelso (GRYD – MLav Racing) and teammate Eddie O’Shea who both make it directly into Q2, as well as a flock of rookies, such as: Rico Salmela (Red Bull KTM Tech 3), Marco Morelli (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team), Casey O’Gorman (SIC58 Squadra Corse), Brian Uriarte (Red Bull KTM Ajo) and Veda Pratama (Honda Team Asia).
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