Rueda Snatches Le Mans Victory as Muñoz and Kelso Collide in Final Lap Frenzy

Final-Lap Chaos Hands Rueda the Win

Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) was the man with the backflip and the biggest smile at the Michelin Grand Prix of France, after clinching an unexpected but perfectly timed victory at Le Mans. The #99 rider had spent most of the Moto3™ race steadily working his way through the leading group, sitting in third place as the final lap began.

Up ahead, drama was unfolding. David Muñoz (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) was locked in a fierce scrap with Joel Kelso (LEVELUP-MTA) for the win. Heading into the last corner complex, Muñoz made a bold—and ultimately over-ambitious—move on Kelso, resulting in contact between the two. Both riders ran wide, opening the door for Rueda to glide through unchallenged and snatch the victory.

Penalty Shakes Up the Podium

Muñoz initially crossed the line in second, but Race Direction wasn’t having it. The stewards deemed his aggressive move on Kelso unacceptable and handed him a penalty that bumped him down to third. That decision promoted Kelso to second place—an outcome that left the Australian with mixed emotions after what had been a commanding ride for much of the race.

For Rueda, the victory couldn’t have come at a better time. With championship rival Ángel Piqueras (FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI) crashing out mid-race, it was a golden opportunity to reclaim control in the standings—and Rueda seized it.

Rookie Quiles Leads Early, Then Fades

The race began with rookie sensation Max Quiles (CFMoto Gaviota Aspar Team) launching from pole and dueling early on with Kelso. Quiles managed to keep the lead for much of the opening lap, but Kelso found a way past in the final sector and began building his rhythm out front. It was classic Moto3—tight, tense, and unpredictable, with riders constantly jostling for position in the lead group.

After Piqueras went down, the front pack eventually settled into a quartet: Kelso, Muñoz, Rueda, and another rookie standout, Guido Pini (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP). However, Pini’s impressive run came to an abrupt end with a slide-out, reducing the lead battle to three. Alvaro Carpe (Red Bull KTM Ajo) did his best to close the gap to the leaders but couldn’t quite get in the mix before the final lap showdown.

Muñoz Goes “Full Send,” Rueda Pounces

Kelso seemed to have the measure of the field, controlling the pace and avoiding mistakes—until Muñoz decided he wasn’t going home quietly. On the last lap, with no clear opening, Muñoz dove aggressively into the final corner section, colliding with Kelso in an all-or-nothing attempt to take the win.

Both riders went wide, and Rueda didn’t need to be asked twice. The Spaniard swept through the inside line and took the chequered flag, adding another dramatic chapter to the Moto3 season.

Carpe Just Misses Podium, Almansa Leads Second Group

Alvaro Carpe narrowly missed out on a maiden podium, finishing fourth just behind the drama. David Almansa (Leopard Racing) led the second group to complete the top five. Behind him came Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia), early leader Quiles—who faded late in the race—Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing), Luca Lunetta (SIC58 Squadra Corse), and Valentin Perrone (Red Bull KTM Tech3). The Argentine rookie rounded out the top ten in an impressive result for the home team.

Points Finishers and Notable Mentions

Dennis Foggia (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) and Scott Ogden (CIP Green Power) were just outside the top ten. They were followed by Jacob Roulstone (Red Bull KTM Tech3), Cormac Buchanan (DENSSI Racing – BOE), and Nicola Carraro (Rivacold Snipers Team), who filled out the final points-paying positions.

Despite his crash, Guido Pini rejoined the race and finished 17th—just outside the points but still earning recognition for his speed and poise throughout the weekend.

Eyes on Silverstone: Rueda Takes Championship Lead

With his Le Mans triumph, Rueda now regains the upper hand in the championship standings as the paddock prepares to head across the English Channel to Silverstone. For Angel Piqueras and the rest of the field, the iconic British circuit presents the next opportunity to fight back.

Moto3’s 2025 campaign is delivering fireworks, and with Silverstone just two weeks away, fans can expect even more action as the title battle heats up.

Official MotoGP Press Release