Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) is back on top at the Motul Grand Prix of Japan, taking pole position by just under quarter of a second as he looks to hammer home his advantage ahead of a looming championship point in Indonesia. Valentin Perrone (Red Bull KTM Tech3) impressed once more to take second place following his pole in Misano, with Joel Kelso (LEVELUP – MTA) completing the front row after getting denied late on.
Rueda was holding provisional pole until the final minute and a half, with Kelso then taking over on top – and right before a yellow flag caused by a crash for Alvaro Carpe (Red Bull KTM Ajo). Rueda was left with one final shot at the top and pulled out that quarter of a second to grab pole position, with Perrone likewise improving on his final flying lap – forcing Kelso to settle for third.
That denies Angel Piqueras (MT Helmets – FRINSA – MSI) the front row as the #36, second in the standings, looks to start a final stand against Rueda. He lines up fourth ahead of home hero Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia), with Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing) completing Row 2 in P6.
Friday’s fastest David Muñoz (LIQUI MOLY Intact GP) edged out Maximo Quiles (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) for P7, with David Almansa (Leopard Racing) and Dennis Foggia (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) next up. However, both have back of the grid penalties for excessive slow sectors, meaning Guido Pini (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) and Alvaro Carpe (Red Bull KTM Ajo) move up. However, Pini also has 2x Long Lap penalties for Sunday after riding slow on line.
With some drama already, the stage is now reset for another Moto3 classic. Find full results from Moto3 qualifying at Motegi HERE and tune in for race day on Sunday!