Joel Kelso (BOE Motorsports) has clinched his first Moto3™ pole after an incredible late lap at the PT Grand Prix of Thailand. The #66 set a 1:40.603 and has become the first Australian to claim pole in lightweight class since Jack Miller in 2014. Kelso worked hard in the closing minutes, beating Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) to P1 by 0.073s. The Dutchman was one of the first riders to exit pitlane on the final run, grabbing a front row start for Sunday. Meanwhile, Angel Piqueras (Leopard Racing) was unable to improve on his second run, missing out on pole after looking strong in the opening stages of Q2.
Practice 2 saw further drama begin to unfold on Saturday morning, with Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia) becoming the new pacesetter after clocking a stunning 1:40.577, which set the stage for qualifying. Once Q1 began, fast times began to be set, with Filippo Farioli (SIC58 Squadra Corse) topping the standings and earning a Q2 spot alongside Matteo Bertelle (Kopron Rivacold Snipers Team), Joel Esteban (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) and LEVELUP – MTA’s Stefano Nepa.
As Q2 got underway, there was instant action, with Piqueras launching an early benchmark – sitting comfortably in P1 after the first run. Tension began to build as the second run began, with the Moto3™ stars looking for the prime spot on the circuit. Piqueras remained at the top as a group of riders left pitlane too late to set a time on their final run, leaving a handful of riders to duel for pole, with Kelso coming out on top.
Furusato maintained his impressive form on Saturday, leapfrogging to fourth on the grid – spearheading the second row. The #72 starts ahead of the newly crowned Moto3™ World Champion, who missed out on a final run – claiming P5 on the grid. The Colombian has shown encouraging pace throughout the weekend and will be joined on the second row by FleetSafe Honda – MLav Racing’s Scott Ogden after a great qualifying for the #19.
Daniel Holgado (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) will start from seventh on the grid, aiming to replicate his pace from Australia. Holgado has tough competition on the third row, with David Almansa (Kopron Rivacold Snipers Team) and Ivan Ortola (MT Helmets – MSI) joining the #96. Further back, Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) and BOE Motorsports’ David Muñoz are left with work to do from 16th and 17th.
Moto3 qualifying Classification
