Aiming to keep his title aspirations alive for as long as possible, David Almansa (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) was once again the rider to beat on Friday, just edging clear of Championship leader Maximo Quiles (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team). Split by just 0.088s, it’s a tasty prospect going into the second match-point weekend.
Almansa was fast straight away and got down to the fastest lap time of the weekend thus far with a 1’37.169, fractionally quicker than Champion-elect Quiles. The two got up close and personal during the session, Quiles forcing Almansa to get out the way at Turn 16, a sign of things to come perhaps across the rest of the weekend. Rounding out the top three was Matteo Bertelle (LEVELUP – MTA), just ahead of Alvaro Carpe (Red Bull KTM Ajo), Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing) and Ryusei Yamanaka (AEON Credit – MT Helmets – MSI).
There were headlining names who failed to clear the Practice hurdle and find themselves in Q1, including Gryd Racing duo Joel Kelso and Eddie O’Shea, both crashers at Turn 10. David Muñoz (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) missed out by 0.009s with P15 and is joined by the likes of Aragon podium finisher Marco Morelli (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team), British GP polesitter Scott Ogden (CIP GreenPower) and Czech GP winner Hakim Danish (AEON Credit – MT Helmets – MSI). Valentin Perrone, on the podium at Buriram and Silverstone, also finds himself in Q1.
Heavy hitters in Q1, title challengers straight to Q2. Qualifying kicks off for Moto3 at 12:45 local time (UTC +8) on Saturday!
Moto3 Practice results from Mandalika