An exciting Moto3 race at COTA came down to the final corner of the last lap, where Leopard Racing’s Guido Pini secured his first ever Moto3 win with an inspired move down the inside, which saw him go from third to first at the finish line.

Although the start of the race wasn’t the best for the Italian, losing places on the opening lap, it didn’t take long for Pini to make his way back through the field. Staying inside the lead group of five riders for much of the race, before it became a group of three in the closing stages, Pini briefly took the lead with three laps to go. Although he looked set for the final podium place, the Leopard Racing rider took advantage of the battle in the final corner to make his way down the inside of the pair to claim his maiden Moto3 victory.

Team-mate Adrian Fernandez also showed strong race pace throughout the 14-lap encounter, staying in the fight for the podium until the closing stages when he lost contact with the top three riders. Making sure to keep the closing pack behind him, Fernandez crossed the finish line in fifth place.

Eddie O’Shea (GRYD – MLav Racing) and Jesus Rios (Rivacold Snipers Team) made good progress throughout the race, despite the latter serving a double long lap penalty, and finished inside the points in 11^th and 15^th respectively. Meanwhile Nicola Carraro (Rivacold Snipers Team) took the chequered flag in 17^th place and SIC58 Squadra Corse’s Leo Rammerstorfer was 20^th.

Unfortunately, it was a day to forget for the Honda Team Asia pairing of Veda Pratama and Zen Mitani, Casey O’Gorman (SIC58 Squadra Corse) and Joel Kelso (GRYD – MLav Racing), all of whom come away from the event with DNFs.

The Moto3 riders will enjoy a short break before action resumes at Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto, Spain, on 24-26 April.