An exciting Moto3 race around the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, saw race long battles at the front that involved Honda Team Asia’s Taiyo Furusato and the Leopard Racing duo of David Almansa and Adrian Fernandez.

It was Furusato though who ended the 18-lap race as the top Honda rider, with some inspired moves in the final laps to take third place on the final lap and make his return to the podium. Pole-sitter Almansa also put in an almighty ride to hold the lead for over half of the race and manage his soft rear tyre. Ultimately, he was unable to clinch a podium place but crossed the line in fourth place, with team-mate Fernandez, who also demonstrated good speed throughout, one place behind in fifth.

SIC58 Squadra Corse’s Luca Lunetta made his return from injury to racing this weekend and his efforts were rewarded with points, as he took the chequered flag in 11^th place. Further back, Riccardo Rossi (Rivacold Snipers Team) and Marco Morelli (GRYD – MLav Racing) finished in 16^th and 17^th places respectively.

Nicola Carraro’s race was compromised from the outset, as the Rivacold Snipers Team rider came into today knowing that he’d have to serve a long lap penalty at a circuit that really punishes those who use the long lap loop due to the slipstream effect on the 1km straight. He finished in 20^th position with Eddie O’Shea (GRYD – MLav Racing) 22^nd, Stefano Nepa (SIC58 Squadra Corse) 23^rd and Honda Team Asia’s Arbi Aditama (who also served a long lap penalty) 24^th.

There will be no rest for the Honda NSF250RW riders, who head straight to Misano for the Grand Prix of San Marino and the Rimini Riviera (12-14 September).