Angel Piqueras (FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI) has dramatically seized the lead of the Moto3 World Championship after an electrifying final-lap showdown in Round 2 at Lusail International Circuit, defeating Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia) by an astonishing 0.009 seconds in a drag race to the line.
Piqueras’ late-race brilliance not only secured him the top step of the podium but also delivered a crucial 25-point swing in the standings as former leader Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) suffered heartbreak with a mechanical failure just one lap from the finish.
The Moto3 race delivered all the drama fans have come to expect from the lightweight class — tight battles, last-corner gambles, and a finish that demanded a photo review. Furusato took the lead into Turn 14 on the final lap and tried to defend the inside line to perfection. But Piqueras, with nerves of steel, lined up the perfect exit and unleashed a lightning-fast launch to the line, edging past Furusato by the blink of an eye — just 0.009 seconds.
“I knew it would come down to the line. I just gave it everything,” said Piqueras, breathless and elated after his stunning win. “This is a dream come true, and taking the championship lead makes it even more special.”
Behind the leading duo, Ryusei Yamanaka (FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI) claimed a hard-fought third place — his second-ever Moto3 podium — just hours after celebrating a career-first pole position. His fast start and consistency throughout the race made him one of the standout performers of the weekend.
But for Rueda, who had entered the race as the championship leader, it was a nightmare ending. The Spaniard was in podium contention when his Red Bull KTM Ajo machine faltered with a technical issue, cruelly ending his hopes of a top-three finish and ceding the title lead to Piqueras.
The race began with early action as Yamanaka grabbed the holeshot, leading a tight freight train of riders. But it wasn’t long before penalties and crashes shook up the grid. Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing) and rookie Alvaro Carpe (Red Bull KTM Ajo) were both hit with Long Lap penalties, the latter receiving two, putting them on the back foot.
Meanwhile, Dennis Foggia (CFMoto Gaviota Aspar Team) collided with David Muñoz (LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP), ending his race and sending Muñoz tumbling down the order. But Muñoz staged a phenomenal recovery to finish seventh, just behind Riccardo Rossi and ahead of SIC58 duo Luca Lunetta and Stefano Nepa.
TOP 10 FINISHERS
- Angel Piqueras (FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI)
- Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia) +0.009s
- Ryusei Yamanaka (FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI)
- Joel Kelso (LEVELUP – MTA)
- Riccardo Rossi (Rivacold Snipers Team)
- David Muñoz (LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP)
- Luca Lunetta (SIC58 Squadra Corse)
- Stefano Nepa (SIC58 Squadra Corse)
- Nicola Carraro (Rivacold Snipers Team)
- Guido Pini (LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP)
With his dramatic victory, Piqueras now sits atop the Moto3 standings, taking full advantage of Rueda’s misfortune. The title race remains wide open, but momentum has clearly swung in favor of the FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI camp, who also celebrated a double podium finish in Doha.
Credit Photo : MotoGP
