The Moto3 race has just finished in Portugal, on the hills of Portimao! Once again, the smallest category did not disappoint. Before the start of the race, it was very difficult to pick a favorite, as the field was so tightly packed. Joel Kelso (KTM Levelup MTA) was fastest in qualifying, and started from pole position ahead of a surprising Scott Ogden (KTM CIP Green Power). Maximo Quiles (KTM CFMoto Aspar Team) and Angel Piqueras (KTM MT Helmets MSi) were considered the favorites, especially since the latter had topped FP2 the previous morning. David Almansa (Honda Leopard Racing), the Practice leader, and Dennis Foggia (KTM CFMoto Aspar Team), who had come from nowhere to finish first in FP1, should not be written off.
Did you miss this race? Come relive it with us! Before we begin, here is a table that summarizes the known facts:
|
Moto3™ Portimao, Portugal |
2024 |
2025 |
| FP1 | Canceled | 1'47.422 Dennis Foggia |
| Practice | 1'47.202 David Alonso | 1'47.056 David Almansa |
| FP2 | 1'47.175 Joel Kelso | 1'59.106 Angel Piqueras |
| Q1 | 1'47.979 Ryusei Yamanaka | 1'47.679 Joel Esteban |
| Q2 | 1'46.379 José Antonio Rueda | 1'46.764 Joel Kelso |
| Course | Holgado, Rueda, Ortola (See here) | Quiles, Piqueras, Furusato |
| All time lap record | 1'46.379 José Antonio Rueda 2024 | 1'46.379 José Antonio Rueda 2024 |
Joel Kelso got the best start. He then led the pack for the entire early part of the race, keeping a handful of riders in his wake. At the halfway point, however, he relinquished his position to Maximo Quiles, the Aspar rider having finally found the solution after a start to the race spent finding his rhythm while in the provisional podium position.
As the laps ticked by, the Spaniard steadily increased his lead, tenths of a second at a time. With five laps to go, he held a half-second advantage over Taiyo Furusato, who was beginning to see victory slipping away. Until the checkered flag, however, number 28 remained composed, securing another win this season after a race he controlled from start to finish.
Angel Piqueras suffered a major setback at the end of the race after contact with Joel Esteban. He plummeted down the order and was forced to mount a grueling comeback at the end. He managed to pull it off, however, salvaging valuable points in the battle for second place in the championship, which he is currently fighting for with the day's winner. Finishing second, he at least limited the damage. Nine points separate them heading into the final race in Valencia. Taiyo Furusato completed the podium, his second in two Grands Prix after his victory at the Malaysian Grand Prix.
Result of the 2025 Moto3 Portuguese Grand Prix:
Classification credit: MotoGP.com
