The 2025 Australian Moto3 Grand Prix witnessed an exhilarating Friday practice session, with David Almansa making a bold statement by setting a new record lap time of 1m 34.726s at Phillip Island. This achievement not only showcased his skill but also positioned him for a strong qualifying performance. The track conditions were challenging, with a drying surface and persistent wind, which tested the riders' adaptability and determination. Almansa's performance was particularly impressive, as he had to overcome a challenging opening session where he fell twice, showcasing his resilience and ability to push through adversity. The #22 rider's lap time was achieved while riding in the slipstream of newly crowned champion Jose Antonio Rueda, highlighting the strategic importance of drafting in Moto3 racing.
The Honda rider, David Almansa, is in a crucial position, facing a potential race day penalty for his involvement in an incident with Taiyo Furusato during the Indonesian Grand Prix. This penalty could significantly impact his performance, and he is likely seeking every advantage he can get. Adrian Fernandez, his teammate, closely followed in second place, just 0.392s behind, demonstrating the competitive nature of the sport. Alvaro Carpe, the top rookie, finished in third place for the Red Bull KTM Ajo team, showcasing his late improvement and determination to chip away at his lap times.
The practice session saw a shuffle in positions, with Angel Piqueras and Joel Kelso also making slight adjustments. Guido Pini secured the sixth best time for the Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP team, while Maximo Quiles and Luca Lunetta completed the top ten. Jacob Roulstone, however, had a nervous wait after a technical issue prevented him from defending his time, finishing in eleventh place. The remaining Q2 places were taken by Joel Esteban and Ryusei Yamanaka, who replaced Dennis Foggia and demonstrated their adaptability in the face of challenges.
The session also witnessed a few notable incidents, including early falls for Tatchakorn Buasri and Brian Uriarte, who returned to the Honda Team Asia after an injury break. Cormac Buchanan and Joel Esteban also encountered setbacks, with Buchanan falling at turn four and Esteban sliding into the gravel at turn two. Despite these challenges, the riders demonstrated their determination and skill, pushing through the sketchy conditions and limited laps to secure their positions on the grid.
The 2025 Australian Moto3 Free Practice (1) results showcased a competitive field, with Adrian Fernandez topping the session with a time of 1m 44.461s. Maximo Quiles and David Almansa followed closely, with Joel Esteban and Joel Kelso also making strong impressions. The session highlighted the importance of adaptability and determination, as the riders navigated the challenging track conditions and sought to secure their positions for the upcoming qualifying and race sessions.
