Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) delivered a masterclass at the Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas, storming to his second win of the season in Moto3 with a commanding performance in Texas.
The Spanish rider built an early lead and never looked back, crossing the finish line with a comfortable margin.
Joel Kelso (LEVELUP – MTA) secured his first-ever dry-weather podium in second place, while teammate Matteo Bertelle clinched his maiden Moto3 podium, completing the top three.
Off the line, Maximo Quiles (CFMoto Valresa Aspar Team) had a dream start in his debut race, leading his very first lap in the World Championship. However, the fierce competition quickly intensified, leading to some dramatic twists.
Pole-sitter David Muñoz (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) suffered another disappointing outing, crashing out from the lead group. Meanwhile, Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing) faced a nightmare start after almost missing pitlane exit due to technical issues. Despite a late departure, he was allowed to line up on the grid, but a jump start saw him slapped with two Long Lap Penalties (LLPs), further dampening his race.
As the battle raged behind him, Rueda seized the lead and steadily built a gap of over two seconds by the halfway mark. Behind him, Kelso and Bertelle fought a thrilling duel for second and third. Angel Piqueras (FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI), Alvaro Carpe (Red Bull KTM Ajo), and Quiles followed in pursuit, while a large group battle unfolded for the remaining top-ten positions.
On the final lap, Rueda maintained his advantage, with Kelso securing second place. Bertelle, after two pole positions earlier this season, finally earned his first career podium. The real fireworks came in the closing moments, as Piqueras and Quiles engaged in an electrifying last-lap showdown. Experience ultimately prevailed, with Piqueras taking fourth, while Quiles finished a sensational fifth on his debut weekend.
Behind the leading pack, Carpe had to settle for sixth, while Dennis Foggia (CFMoto Valresa Aspar Team) won a close battle for seventh. Adrian Cruces (CIP – Green Power), Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia), and New Zealand rookie Cormac Buchanan (DENSSI Racing – BOE) rounded out the top ten, with Buchanan earning his first-ever top-ten finish.
Guido Pini (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) finished just outside the top ten in 11th. Fernandez, despite his early setbacks, put in a stunning recovery to finish 12th and salvage crucial points. The remaining points scorers included David Almansa (Leopard Racing), Jacob Roulstone (Red Bull KTM Tech3), and Nicola Carraro (Rivacold Snipers Team).
Crashes for Valentin Perrone (Red Bull KTM Tech3) and Ryusei Yamanaka (FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI) ended their bids for top-ten finishes, with Yamanaka getting caught up in Perrone’s fall.
With two victories in the bag, Rueda now stands as the rider to beat heading into the next round in Qatar. Can Piqueras, Fernandez, and the rest of the field mount a serious challenge? The battle continues in just two weeks!
Credit Photo : Red Bull KTM Ajo
