Cooler temperatures greeted the Moto3 riders today, as they battled for the best spots on the grid ahead of tomorrow’s 14-lap race. As a result, times tumbled and several Honda riders were able to demonstrate strong one-lap pace.

In the opening Q1 session Honda Team Asia’s Zen Mitani was quick to take to the track and start working up to his fastest time of the session, which placed him second and saw him through to Q2. Nicola Carraro (Rivacold Snipers Team) also ensured he was within in the top-four places and progressed to the next session.

Unfortunately, a couple of late yellow flags prevented team-mate Jesus Rios, who will have to serve two long-lap penalties in the race, from placing higher than sixth. Meanwhile, SIC58 Squadra Corse’s Leo Rammerstorfer ended Q1 in 10^th.

The pace really increased in the second Qualifying session of the day, with several riders able to break the lap record. One of those riders was Casey O’Gorman (SIC58 Squadra Corse), who looked strong all session and secured a place on the front row of the grid with second at the chequered flag. The second row will be headed up by Veda Pratama (Honda Team Asia), who ended Q2 in fourth place, and he’ll have Leopard Racing’s Guido Pini just behind him in fifth.

Team-mate Adrian Fernandez opted to only undertake one run in Q2, but was at the sharp end of the timing screens in the closing stages and set the seventh fastest lap. There were good performances also by Joel Kelso (GRYD – MLav Racing) and Mitani, who were 11^th and 12^th respectively. Further back, Carraro will start tomorrow’s race from 16^th, while Eddie O’Shea (GRYD – MLav Racing) will be one place behind in 17^th.

Tomorrow’s 14-lap Moto3 race at the Circuit of the Americas will get underway at midday local time.