On a test day marked by the return of sunshine so rarely seen on the Iberian Peninsula in recent weeks, it was difficult to imagine a more idyllic setting for the start of the official Moto3 pre-season, the smallest category of the World Championship. MotoGP, on the Circuito de Jerez-Ángel Nieto!
After days of overcast skies and seemingly endless rain, the sun finally joined the party, making the event perfect for the large crowd that filled the X-1 grandstand at the Andalusian circuit, despite the cool temperatures. A special Valentine's Day celebration, marked by the passion of fans and the sport of motorcycling, confirms that the love affair between supporters and two wheels remains strong in this region.
This first day allowed the riders to reconnect with their machines and rediscover their true feel for them. It also provided an initial overview of the hierarchy through the recorded lap times, while giving a glimpse of the riders likely to set the pace in 2026. Tire testing, adjustments to footpegs, clip-on handlebars, seats, and riding positions thus punctuated this return to the track in dry conditions, following the two wet-weather attempts earlier in the week at Portimão.
26 riders took to the track on the Andalusian asphalt, including nine Spaniards and two Andalusians: David Muñoz from Seville, who is starting his fifth season in the category, his second with Liqui Moly Intact, the team with which he secured his first world victory last year, and Jesus Rios, a native of Marbella, who is competing in his first full season after starting in 2025 as a replacement for an injured rider. Muñoz finished the day in 12th position (1'45.658), while Rios finished 15th (1'45.951).
A productive day thanks to the large number of laps completed, and also a fast one considering the wintry temperatures, quite different from those expected during the Grand Prix at the end of April. I was within six-tenths of a second of the category's best time (1'44.352), held by the reigning world champion. Jose Antonio RuedaThis already constitutes an encouraging sign for the future.
In the last half hour,
Alvaro Carpe (KTM Ajo Motorsport) set the fastest time at 1'44.980, becoming the only rider to break the 1'45 barrier. The Italian Guido Pini (Leopard Racing) followed with a time of 1'45.044, ahead of the British team Scott Ogden (CIP Green Power) in 1'45.157.
Marco Morelli finished fourth (CFMOTO Aspar Team) in 1'45.162, ahead of David Almansa (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP).
One of the favorites of the season, Maximo Quiles (CFMOTO Aspar Team) finished sixth, while Matthew Bertelli (LEVEL UP – MTA) and
Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing) took seventh and eighth places.
The Red Bull KTM Tech3 team completes the Top 10 with its two riders, Valentin Perrone et Rico Salmela.
Today, Sunday, is the second and final Moto3 session, before Moto2 takes over on Monday and Tuesday.
Source: Jerez Circuit
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