David Almansa is triumphant in the first Moto3 race of the 2026 season after a photo finish across the line

The Chang International Circuit was the host to round one of the 2026 Moto3 championship. Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP’s David Almansa was on pole position, Red Bull KTM Ajo’s Alvaro Carpe lined-up in second place, with Leopard Racing’s Adrian Fernandez rounding out the front row of the grid. Britain’s Scott Ogden qualified in eighth place, with Irishman Casey O’Gorman qualifying in tenth place.

Lights out for the first time 2026 saw Almansa lead the Moto3 field into turn one at the Thailand circuit. All the Moto3 riders got through the first few corners ok. Ogden and Casey O’Gorman were both inside the top ten.

Almansa hit the ground running leading the way from Max Quiles. Ryusei Yamanaka crashed out in sector three. Cormac Buchanan also crashed out in the opening laps.

Guido Pini crashed out, the Leopard Racing rider rejoined the race.

After just four laps the front four riders were breaking away from the rest of the field, Almansa leading from Quiles, Adrian Fernanadez was in third place, Alvaro Carpe was in fourth place.

Six laps in and now the leading group extended to six riders, rookie Veda Pratama was in fifth place followed by Valentin Perrone.

At the half way stage of the race Almansa and Quiles broke away from the field with just over a two seconds lead to Pratama. Quiles made the move to lead the race on lap 12, did Max make his move too early?

Almansa retook the first place position as Quiles ran wide, the Liqui Moly rider was pushing to his limits to break away from the CFMoto Aspar rider. In the second group of riders, there was a scrap on for the final podium spot.

Almansa crossed the line to take his first Moto3 victory, Quiles finished a very close second, Perrone took the final podium place, Carpe was fourth with Pratama finished in fifth place.

Featured Image: David Almansa