The 16-lap Moto3 race at Lusail International Circuit got underway as the sun began to set and Leopard Racing’s Adrian Fernandez immediately showed his intentions, claiming three places on the opening lap and placing himself immediately in the podium fight.

As the gap to the leader increased as each lap was completed, the Spanish rider rode an intelligent race to ensure he still had good tyre life in the final stages. Towards the closing stages Fernandez had managed to drop all but one other challenger for second place, before making the move past Maximo Quiles with three laps to go. Able to hold onto his position, Fernandez crossed the line in second place and secured his tenth Moto3 podium finish.

Close behind were Honda Team Asia’s Veda Pratama, who had received a six-place grid penalty, and GRYD Racing’s Joel Kelso, who took his 100^th Grand Prix start today. They enjoyed a race long battle amongst themselves as they worked to close the gap to the podium fight. Although they were ultimately unable to challenge for the top-three positions the pair were able to finish fourth and sixth respectively, collecting a good number of points.

Also finishing inside the points were Guido Pini (Leopard Racing), who was able to make his way through from 19^th on the grid to finish 11^th, and Zen Mitani (Honda Team Asia), who enjoyed some good battles and finished in 13^th place. Further behind Jesus Rios (Rivacold Snipers team) was 17^th, Casey O’Gorman (SIC58 Squadra Corse) was 18^th, Rivacold Snipers Team’s Kiattisak Singhapong (who had to serve a long lap penalty for exceeding track limits) was 19^th and Leo Rammerstorfer (SIC58 Squadra corse) was 20^th. Unfortunately, a Turn 14 crash on Lap 6 ended GRYD Racing’s Eddie O’Shea’s race early.

The Moto3 paddock will now enjoy a short break before the final two rounds of the season get underway with the Portuguese Grand Prix on 20-22 November, followed by the Valencia Grand Prix on 27-29 November.