Jose Antonio Rueda Dominates Moto3 Season Opener 

KTM Ajo’s Jose Antonio Rueda earned a commanding victory over the Moto3 field to win the first season race at the Chang International Circuit.

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Not only did the premier classes, MotoGP and Moto2, deliver thrilling performances and fierce battles for the podium last weekend, but Moto3 also showcased an exciting race. The 2025 Moto3 season began in spectacular fashion at Thailand’s Chang International Circuit, where Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) put on a dominant display to claim his second career victory.

The Spanish rider crossed the finish line more than seven seconds ahead of his rookie teammate, Alvaro Carpe, who made history as the first rider since Pedro Acosta in 2021 to secure a podium on their Moto3 debut. Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing) rounded out the top three, marking an impressive season opener for the trio.

Race Highlights

Rueda got off to a flying start, taking the lead into Turn 1, but polesitter Matteo Bertelle briefly reclaimed the top spot in Turn 3. However, Rueda quickly regained control and began to pull away from the pack. The race saw its first incident in the final corner of the opening lap, as rookie Cormac Buchanan crashed and took out Eddie O’Shea, reducing the field early on.

As the race progressed, a leading group of six riders began to break away from the rest of the pack. David Munoz made his way up to second, but Rueda’s pace proved too strong. Munoz later received a long lap penalty for an incident involving Luca Lunetta, which saw the Italian rider forced off track. Munoz’s race ended in disappointment as he crashed out of second place, leaving Rueda unchallenged at the front.

Further drama unfolded when Taiyo Furusato crashed out from third, promoting Adrian Fernandez into podium contention. Meanwhile, rookie Alvaro Carpe showcased his talent by battling through the field and securing second place on the final lap, ensuring a 1-2 finish for the Red Bull KTM Ajo team.

Podium and Top Ten Finishers

• Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo)
• Alvaro Carpe (Red Bull KTM Ajo)
• Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing)

Stefano Nepa finished fourth after running wide on the final lap, while polesitter Matteo Bertelle settled for fifth. Dennis Foggia, making his return to Moto3, finished sixth, while David Almansa took seventh after a last-corner collision with Scott Ogden, who crashed out of the race. Riccardo Rossi, Joel Esteban, and Luca Lunetta rounded out the top ten.

A Historic Debut for Carpe

Alvaro Carpe’s podium finish marked a historic achievement, as he became the first rider since Pedro Acosta in 2021 to secure a top-three finish on their Moto3 debut. Remarkably, Carpe achieved this feat at a track he had never seen before, further highlighting his potential as a future star.

Looking Ahead

With a dominant victory, Rueda has sent a clear warning to his rivals as the championship heads to Termas de Río Hondo in Argentina for Round 2. Carpe’s impressive debut and Fernandez’s strong performance also set the stage for an exciting season ahead.

The Moto3 grid continues to deliver thrilling races, and the 2025 season promises to be no different. Fans can expect more intense battles and rising stars as the championship unfolds.