Was that last lap, last corner move on Maximo Quiles (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) for victory in Misano the moment where Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) placed one hand on the Moto3 championship trophy? It could well be because as we head to Japan, the #99 leads the way by a commanding 78 points.
Angel Piqueras (FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI) remains Rueda’s closest rival, but after a P5 on a circuit where he won as a rookie in 2024, losing 14 points was a hammer blow. However, it’s not done yet of course as 150 points remain up for grabs, but Piqueras needs a big swing in points and momentum soon before it’s too late, starting in Motegi.
Quiles’ seventh podium of 2025 sees the rookie sit P3 overall, 29 points away from Piqueras and 16 ahead of David Muñoz (LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP). The #28 will be tasting the upcoming circuits for the first time, but that hasn’t exactly been a concern so far, has it?
Elsewhere, Adrian Fernandez’s (Leopard Racing) first podium since Argentina was a very timely one for the Spaniard, who lies one place behind Joel Kelso (LEVELUP – MTA) in the standings after the Australian returned to form in Misano. Kelso is now only 10 points adrift of Alvaro Carpe (Red Bull KTM Ajo), so the battle for a top five championship finish is heating up nicely.
Meanwhile, Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia) and Ryusei Yamanaka (FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI) are the Moto3 home heroes this weekend, so can they return to the podium fight after missing out in Misano? The Japanese faithful will certainly be hoping so.
Can Rueda be stopped, or is his march to the 2025 crown going to continue in Japan? We’re about to find out.
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