A typical bunched Moto3 race at Mugello saw multiple Honda riders fight for the victory, including GRYD – MLav Racing’s Eddie O’Shea, but a podium proved just out of reach in the lightweight class.

For much of the 17-lap race, it looked like it could be anyone’s to win, with positions changing at the front throughout and a large pack that no one could break free from. There were strong performances from several Honda riders, with Joel Kelso (GRYD – MLav Racing), Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing) and O’Shea all taking turns in the lead.

Also in this large leading group and aiming for a podium finish were Veda Pratama (Honda Team Asia), Jesus Rios (Rivacold Snipers Team) and home-hero Guido Pini (Leopard Racing).

Despite holding on to the lead in the final laps, the win and the podium proved to be just out of reach for Fernandez, who crossed the line in fourth place and just 0.026 seconds shy of the final podium place. O’Shea, who enjoyed his best Moto3 race to date and was able to lead for the first time, ended the race in sixth place.

Also finishing in the points were Pratama in eighth, Kelso in ninth, Rios in tenth and Pini in 15^th. Nicola Carraro (Rivacold Snipers Team) was given a long lap penalty for exceeding track limits in the final stages of the race, but was unable to take it and was given a three second post-race penalty. This saw him classified in 20^th place.

Meanwhile, Zen Mitani (Honda Team Asia) and Leo Rammerstorfer (SIC58 Squadra Corse) crossed the line in 22^nd and 23^rd places respectively. Team-mate Casey O’Gorman was an unfortunate retirement on lap 3.

The Moto3 riders will now head straight to Hungary for the eighth round of the season, which will be held at Balaton Park on 5-7 June.