Pini snatches dramatic last-corner victory in Moto3 thriller at COTA

Guido Pini has officially arrived on the Moto3 stage, claiming his first Grand Prix victory in spectacular fashion at the Circuit of the Americas. The Leopard Racing rider came out on top in a breathtaking final-corner showdown, edging the win by just 0.056 seconds after one of the closest finishes of the season.

Behind him, Maximo Quiles secured second place for CFMoto Valresa Aspar Team, while Alvaro Carpe completed the podium. Carpe had looked set to fight for victory, but his aggressive last-corner move on Valentin Perrone forced both riders wide, costing them a potential one-two finish.

Fast start and early contenders

Starting from pole, Carpe got the perfect launch and grabbed the holeshot into Turn 1, leading Perrone early on. Casey O’Gorman, who had lined up on the front row, lost ground off the start as Quiles made a bold move into Turn 1 to move into third.

At the front, the two KTM machines of Carpe and Perrone initially began to edge away, showing strong early pace. However, Quiles quickly responded, closing the gap and rejoining the leading fight. Just behind, the Leopard Racing pairing of Pini and Adrian Fernandez positioned themselves well, waiting for their opportunity.

Mid-race drama reshapes the battle

In the opening laps, a leading group of seven riders had formed, all in contention for the podium. That changed with ten laps remaining when Veda Pratama crashed out. Joel Esteban, following closely behind, had no chance to avoid the fallen bike and was also forced out. Thankfully, both riders escaped without injury.

The incident reduced the leading pack to five riders. Soon after, Fernandez began to lose touch, leaving a four-rider battle for the podium positions between Pini, Quiles, Carpe, and Perrone.

With just a few laps remaining, the intensity ramped up. Pini made his first serious move at Turn 11, briefly taking the lead from Quiles, only to lose it again moments later. Not deterred, the Italian tried again at Turn 12, this time making it stick. That shuffle allowed Carpe to close right back in, setting up a thrilling final phase.

Last lap chaos and decisive move

As the race entered the final lap, Perrone held the lead, with Carpe quickly moving into second. Pini then slipped back behind Quiles at Turn 11, but the long back straight kept the group tightly packed, each rider looking for the perfect moment to strike.

Carpe emerged at the front out of Turn 12, only for Perrone to fight back at Turn 13. The two continued to exchange positions through the final sector, with Carpe regaining the advantage before Perrone launched another move at Turn 19. Yet again, Carpe responded, setting up a dramatic run to the final corner.

Everything came down to that last turn. Carpe made a bold dive up the inside in a bid for victory, forcing Perrone wide. However, the move compromised both riders’ exits, opening the door for Pini and Quiles just behind.

Neither needed a second invitation. Timing their run perfectly, they powered out of the final corner and into a drag race to the line. Pini held his nerve and edged ahead by the narrowest of margins, sealing a memorable first Grand Prix win. Quiles followed closely in second, while Carpe managed to hold onto third after the chaos. Perrone, despite leading late on, had to settle for fourth.

Battles throughout the field

Fernandez completed the top five after fading slightly in the closing laps, while Adrian Cruces claimed sixth in a photo finish.

There was more drama right at the line, as rookie Brian Uriarte was squeezed in the final sprint, allowing Rico Salmelato snatch seventh place. Matteo Bertelle finished ninth ahead of Scott Ogden, while Eddie O’Shea narrowly missed out on the top ten but still secured his best Moto3 result to date.

O’Gorman’s race ended prematurely after a crash, a disappointing outcome after starting from the front row.

Looking ahead

The Moto3 race in Austin once again showed just how competitive and unpredictable the class can be, with multiple riders in contention right until the final corner. For Pini, this victory could be a turning point in his career, giving him momentum heading into the European rounds.

With a short break before the next race, the paddock now turns its attention to Jerez. The Spanish Grand Prix promises another intense battle, especially as many riders return to more familiar circuits. After such a chaotic and closely fought race in Texas, the big question remains—can anyone stop the momentum, or are we in for more last-lap drama?