The title fight waits for no one, and David Almansa (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) knows it. He was the rider to beat on Friday, putting down a stunning 1'37.169 to secure the fastest lap time of the weekend so far and keep his championship aspirations alive.
Just 0.088 seconds behind him sat championship leader Maximo Quiles (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team). These two didn't just share a track; they got up close and personal during the session when Quiles forced Almansa to get out of the way at Turn 16. It is a fiery preview of what is surely coming for the rest of the weekend.
Behind the leading pair, Matteo Bertelle (LEVELUP – MTA) rounded out the top three. Right behind him came Alvaro Carpe (Red Bull KTM Ajo) in fourth, Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing) in fifth, and Ryusei Yamanaka (AEON Credit – MT Helmets – MSI) in sixth.
Not everyone had a clean run, though, as some major names failed to clear the practice hurdle and now face the dreaded Q1 battle. That group includes the Gryd Racing duo of Joel Kelso and Eddie O’Shea, who both suffered crashes at Turn 10.
David Muñoz (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) missed a direct Q2 spot by a agonizing 0.009s in P15. He will be joined in Q1 by 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), alongside Valentin Perrone, who has podiums at Buriram and Silverstone.
Heavy hitters are scrapping in Q1 while the primary title challengers head straight to Q2. Qualifying gets underway for Moto3 at 12:45 local time (UTC +8) on Saturday.
