Quiles holds off Morelli for victory as Pratama makes history with first Indonesian podium in Brazil

Moto3 delivered another unforgettable race in Goiania, packed with drama, comebacks, and a slice of history. In the end, it was Maximo Quiles (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) who came out on top, fending off a late charge from teammate Marco Morelli to secure a brilliant victory after a disrupted and unpredictable race.

The 18-year-old Spaniard showed both speed and composure when it mattered most, especially after an early red flag turned the race into a short five-lap sprint to the finish. Morelli pushed him all the way to the line but ultimately had to settle for second—still a landmark result as he celebrated his first-ever Moto3 podium.

Behind them, the biggest story belonged to Veda Pratama (Honda Team Asia), who finished third to achieve not only his maiden podium but also a historic first for Indonesia in Grand Prix motorcycle racing across all classes.

Early race chaos and red flag drama

At the initial start, pole-sitter Joel Esteban (LEVELUP-MTA) got away cleanly, grabbing the holeshot into Turn 1. However, the lead quickly changed hands, and by the midpoint of the opening lap, Valentin Perrone (Red Bull KTM Tech3) and Morelli had surged ahead to form an Argentine-led 1-2.

Quiles was already making progress, moving into second place, while Championship leader David Almansa (LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP) was carving through the field impressively from 14th on the grid to break into the top five within just a few laps.

The race soon took a dramatic turn. On Lap 7, Esteban crashed out while battling near the front, and the intensity only increased from there. Then came a major twist on Lap 13, when Almansa—running at the front—suffered a sudden crash that ended his race and any chance of extending his championship lead.

Shortly after, Scott Ogden (CIP – Green Power) also went down. With track marshals needing time to safely clear the incident, race control brought out the red flag. While all riders were confirmed safe, the stoppage had a major consequence: Almansa, having crashed before the red flag, was not eligible to restart.

Five-lap shootout decides it all

With the grid reset for a five-lap sprint, everything was back on the line.

When the lights went out again, Quiles wasted no time asserting control, launching perfectly to take the holeshot. Behind him, Alvaro Carpe (Red Bull KTM Tech3), Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing), and Guido Pini (Dynavolt Intact GP) battled aggressively for position in a tightly packed group.

The shortened race created a sense of urgency, with riders pushing to the limit from the very first lap. Despite constant pressure and position changes behind him, Quiles maintained his advantage at the front, showing maturity beyond his years.

Final lap showdown

Heading into the final lap, the battle for victory intensified. Morelli closed the gap significantly and was right on Quiles’ rear wheel as they entered the last sector, setting up a potential last-corner showdown.

However, Quiles held his nerve under pressure, defending his line perfectly and denying any opportunity for an overtake. He crossed the finish line to claim a hard-fought victory—one that also sees him take over the Championship lead.

Morelli followed closely behind to secure second place, completing a dominant 1-2 finish for the Aspar Team and marking a breakthrough moment in his career.

Historic podium for Pratama

Just behind the leading duo, Veda Pratama delivered a standout performance. Having already shown promise earlier in the season, he stepped up once again in Brazil to secure third place.

In doing so, he made history as the first Indonesian rider to stand on a Grand Prix podium in any category—a milestone that could prove hugely significant for the sport’s growth in the region.

Pratama held off strong late pressure from Carpe and Pini, both of whom pushed hard but couldn’t find a way past in the closing stages.

Strong performances across the field

Rookie Rico Salmela (Red Bull KTM Tech3) impressed with a solid sixth-place finish, continuing to build momentum in his debut season.

Further back, Perrone, Fernandez, Casey O’Gorman (SIC58 Squadra Corse), and Hakim Danish (MT Helmets – MSI) completed the top ten after a race that saw constant battles throughout the pack.

Championship shake-up and eyes on COTA

With Almansa scoring no points after his crash, the Championship picture has shifted significantly, with Quiles now emerging as the new leader following his victory.

After a chaotic and action-packed weekend in Brazil, the Moto3 paddock now heads straight to the Circuit of the Americas, where another unpredictable round awaits.

If Goiania was anything to go by, fans can expect more drama, more breakthroughs, and possibly even more history next weekend.

Images Official MotoGP