Álvaro Carpe was the fastest rider in the practice session that determined the riders who would advance directly to Q2 for the Australian Grand Prix, the 18th round of the Moto3 season. In the session held on Thursday night (22) at the Phillip Island Circuit, the Ajo rider posted his best lap in 1:35.292, making him the quickest of the day.
The runner-up was Joel Kelso, a rider who finished just 0.026 seconds behind Carpe’s time. 2026 champion and fastest in the free practice, Máximo Quiles, was third quickest, ahead of David Almansa, who ended the session in fourth. The group of the top five was completed by Scott Ogden.
Rico Salmela closed the session in sixth place, just ahead of Matteo Bertelle, who was seventh fastest on Phillip Island. David Muñoz finished eighth on the time sheet, while Brian Uriarte was ninth. The top ten also included Kiattisak Singhapong.
In addition to the ten riders mentioned above, four more secured direct advancement to the final qualifying phase. Joel Esteban qualified 11th, followed by Adrian Fernández in 12th. Valentín Perrone was 13th, while Ryusei Yamanaka completed the list of the 14 fastest riders.
The Moto3 schedule will proceed on Friday with one more free practice at 6:40 PM and qualifying at 10:45 PM. The Australian Grand Prix will be contested on Saturday, with the start scheduled for 9:00 PM.
