Moto 3 Sunday: Rueda dominates for commanding win, rookie Carpe shines with stunning P2 finish

Rueda storms away for victory!

Rueda Dominates as Rookie Carpe Stuns with Sensational P2

Moto3™ roared into action at the Chang International Circuit, and Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) put on a flawless performance to secure his second career victory, staying out of trouble while the chaos unfolded behind him. His rookie teammate, Alvaro Carpe, made history with a remarkable P2 finish on debut, becoming the first rider to land on the podium in their first-ever Moto3 race since Pedro Acosta in 2021. Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing) completed the podium with a strong P3, kicking off his season in style.

Early Drama and a Fierce Fight for Position

The race got off to a fiery start, with Rueda leading from pole-sitter Matteo Bertelle (LEVEL-UP MTA), while the battle for second saw plenty of action as riders jostled for position. However, not everyone made it through unscathed—rookies Cormac Buchanan (BOE Motorsports) and Eddie O’Shea (GRYD – MLav Racing) were taken out in a first-lap, last-corner incident.

With 13 laps to go, a leading group of 13 riders had formed after home hero Tatchakorn Buasri (Honda Team Asia) and Valentin Perrone (Red Bull KTM Tech3) crashed out. Just a lap later, Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia) also saw his podium hopes end at Turn 3, trimming the front group down to 12. Soon after, Luca Lunetta (SIC58 Squadra Corse) and David Muñoz (Liqui Moly Intact Dynavolt) collided, with Muñoz receiving a Long Lap Penalty but crashing out before he had the chance to serve it.

Rueda Pulls Away as the Chaos Unfolds

While his rivals battled and incidents thinned out the lead pack, Rueda seized his moment to break away, stretching out a two-second lead over Stefano Nepa (SIC58 Squadra Corse), Adrian Fernandez, and the sensational rookie Carpe. With five laps to go, another twist saw Joel Kelso (LEVEL-UP MTA) misjudge Turn 12, taking out Angel Piqueras (FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI). Kelso retired on the spot and later received a double Long Lap Penalty for the next race, while Piqueras rejoined but was out of contention.

Final Laps: A Fierce Fight for P2

With Rueda sailing away to victory, the attention shifted to an intense three-way battle for second place. Fernandez aimed to match his career-best result, Carpe was chasing a dream debut podium, and Nepa, the most experienced Moto3 rider on the grid, was desperate for his first-ever podium finish.

In the end, Carpe held firm to secure a stunning P2, cementing his name in the record books. Fernandez edged out Nepa for third, denying him a maiden podium, while pole-sitter Bertelle had to settle for P5.

Heartbreak and Final Standings

There was late heartbreak for Scott Ogden, who crashed out at the final corner on the last lap after contact with David Almansa (Leopard Racing). Despite his best efforts to recover, he tumbled into the gravel just meters from the finish line.

Moto3 veteran Dennis Foggia (CFMOTO Aspar Team) finished P6 on his return to the class, followed by Almansa in P7. Rossi moved up to eighth, with Joel Esteban (Red Bull KTM Tech3) and the recovering Lunetta rounding out the top ten.

Rookie Ruche Moodley impressed with points on debut in P11, while Piqueras fought back to P12, ahead of Marcos Uriarte (GRYD – MLav Racing), Adrian Cruces (CIP Green Power), and Buchanan, who remounted from his Lap 1 crash to take the final point.

Looking Ahead: Rueda Takes the Early Lead

As the championship heads to Argentina, Rueda holds the early advantage, but Carpe’s stunning debut sends a clear warning to the rest of the grid. With his first Moto3 race podium on a track he had never ridden before, Carpe is already shaping up to be a serious contender this season.

Official MotoGP Press Release