#PortugueseGP – MOTO3: Quiles wins
Quiles pulls the pin for stunning rollercoaster win
The penultimate Moto3™ showdown of the season saw a superstar performance from Max Quiles (CFMoto Gaviota Aspar Team) as he escaped the group to cross the line over a second clear. Angel Piqueras (QJMotor – FRINSA – MSI) put up a huge fight for second and secured it, limiting the damage as he fights for second overall in the Championship. Malaysian GP winner Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia) completed the podium, taking back to back rostrum finishes for the first time in his career.
Off the line it was a dream start for Joel Kelso (LEVELUP – MTA) as he led Quiles early on, but the group remained close. On Lap 3, Joel Esteban (Red Bull KTM Ajo) was able to attack into second before having a twitch at the final corner, with the resulting reaction seeing Quiles then dropped down to sixth as the slipstream effect down the straight made it all change again behind Kelso.
The Australian led the way for the first half of the race, keeping some tenths in hand, but on Lap 10 he was wide at Turn 5 and the door was open for Quiles and Piqueras. Kelso slotted into third, but the battle was hotting up and it was soon several riders wide as they jostled for position. As the dust started to settle again, Quiles led Furusato as it was instead Piqueras left scrabbling for position in the group. But the #36 hung on to move back into third and then second by Turn 1 on the penultimate lap.
Onto the final lap, Quiles had time in hand over Piqueras, who likewise had just enough over Furusato. They crossed the line in that order as the fight behind took its final shuffle, with Esteban next up as he managed to just stay ahead of rookie teammate Alvaro Carpe.
Casey O’Gorman, this weekend a replacement rider with Dynavolt Intact GP, put in a stunner to take sixth place, with the Irishman pipping Kelso and front row starter Scott Ogden (CIP Green Power). Luca Lunetta (SIC58 Squadra Corse) completed the top ten.
I tried everything today, I really gave it my all. I felt great at the beginning of the race, fighting to move up quickly and getting into the top positions. It was towards the end of the race when we started to have difficulties, not being able to wrap today’s race up with a good result.
Adrian Fernandez – P9
Today’s race was complicated. I couldn’t find myself on the bike and, although I could make up some positions, I ended up crashing, which determined the rest of our race. We will analyse what happened today, with our sights already set on Valencia.
David Almansa – P21
Click the button below to find out all the images of the #KytCrew during the weekend in Portugal.