The Moto3 stage at the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix, held on Sunday (28) in Motegi, delivered another electrifying race, marked by intense disputes, constant changes in leadership, and even a threat of rain. In the end, it was David Muñoz (LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP) who stood out, dominating the second half of the race and achieving his third victory of the season. José Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) made a great recovery and finished second, securing his first chance to win the title in the next stage, in Indonesia. The podium was completed by Máximo Quiles (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team), who outperformed Valentin Perrone (Red Bull KTM Tech3) in the final dispute for third place.
Rueda had started from pole position, with Perrone in second, but the race quickly changed hands. Joel Kelso (LEVELUP – MTA) took the lead in the second lap, bringing Muñoz along. Soon after, Quiles and Perrone also surpassed the championship leader, pushing him to fifth. The intense struggle in the front pack was closely followed by David Almansa (Leopard Racing), who had started from the back of the grid and quickly inserted himself into the group.
The first laps were chaotic, with constant changes in leadership and the added challenge of some raindrops in parts of the circuit, which increased the difficulty for the riders. Quiles even took the lead, but it was Muñoz who took advantage of the moment to establish himself in the lead, opening a consistent gap while his rivals fought among themselves.
The Japanese public had a disappointment when Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia), who was in second place, suffered a highside in turn 2 of lap 9. The rider still tried to return, but fell again shortly after, ending his participation.
In the championship battle, the drama was centered around Ángel Piqueras (FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI). The Spanish rider, vice-leader of the standings, fell in turn 10, but managed to quickly return to the track, although distant from the points he needed to add to reduce the disadvantage regarding Rueda. The fall ultimately cost him dearly, as his rival managed to advance in the pack and finish the race in second.
In the final laps, Rueda showed strength and overtook Quiles and Perrone to secure second place. The duel between Quiles and Perrone for the last spot on the podium was decided only in the final sector: the Argentine tried to attack, but Quiles defended the line well and crossed in third.
Adrián Fernández (Leopard Racing) finished fifth, followed by Japanese rider Ryusei Yamanaka, who delighted the local crowd with sixth place. Guido Pini (LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP) overcame a double penalty of long laps and still finished seventh. Kelso fell to eighth after a good start, while Luca Lunetta (SIC58 Squadra Corse) and Dennis Foggia (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) completed the top-10.
Even after the fall, Piqueras still managed to finish 11th, but his disadvantage to Rueda increased, leaving the title closer to the KTM Ajo rider. Jacob Roulstone (Red Bull KTM Tech3), Matteo Bertelle (LEVELUP – MTA), Álvaro Carpe (Red Bull KTM Ajo), and Stefano Nepa (SIC58 Squadra Corse) completed the points zone.
With the victory, Muñoz once again showed his potential in chaotic races, but the great highlight was Rueda, who leaves Motegi with a real chance to close the championship in the next stage. The Moto3 now heads to Mandalika, Indonesia, where the Spanish rider can be crowned the anticipated champion of the 2025 season.
