Here's the thing about Friday at Aragon: David Almansa simply did not care about traffic or slipstreams. Running with the LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP squad, the Spaniard was fast right from the lights and entirely untouchable, carving out a stunning 1’57.473 entirely on his own to claim P1 under the Aragon sun. It is a brilliant way to kick off the thirteenth round of the 2026 Moto3 season.
Slotting in just 0.079s behind him with a late flyer was Rico Salmela for Red Bull KTM Tech3. That marks the Finn's finest session of the season so far, and honestly, you have to love the ambition as he hunts down his maiden podium finish. Right behind him in third place was none other than British GP podium finisher Valentin Perrone. The Argentine kept up a rock-solid pace all day long alongside his teammate.
Looking down the order, Adrian Fernandez took top Honda honors for Leopard Racing, carrying his P4 form straight over from Silverstone to lock down fourth. Alvaro Carpe put his machine in fifth for Red Bull KTM Ajo, while Irish standout Casey O’Gorman rounded out the top six aboard his SIC58 Squadra Corse entry.
Further back, rookie Jesus Rios put in a great shift for Rivacold Snipers Team to grab seventh, meaning we have three rookies sitting inside the top ten. And what about the championship leader? Maximo Quiles made his much-anticipated return to action for CFMOTO Viel Aspar Team following his collarbone break at the British GP, slotting straight back in with an eighth-place finish.
Of course, it wasn't all smooth sailing for everyone. Scott Ogden (CIP GreenPower), who took pole at the British GP, missed out on a direct Q2 spot by a agonizing 0.010s and now finds himself staring down Q1. Meanwhile, Cormac Buchanan suffered a massive highside crash at the final corner early in the session for CODE Motorsports. Thankfully, he was okay and walked away under his own steam, but the machine was done for the day—a real heartbreak after he had looked so promising with third in FP1.
