The final round of the 2024 Moto3™ World Championship kicked off on Friday at the Motul Solidarity Grand Prix of Barcelona, a season finale exceptionally held at the Circuit de Catalunya-Barcelona following the terrible floods that have sadly affected the community of Valencia in recent weeks. A special weekend was around the corner for Red Bull GASGAS Tech3’s Daniel Holgado, with the Spaniard set to leave the team after two years together, to move on to a new adventure in Moto2™ in 2025. Jacob Roulstone was also eager to finish his rookie season on a high, at his home away from home.

Arriving in Barcelona still second in the championship despite being equals with Colin Veijer, Daniel Holgado was in need of big points at the Solidarity Grand Prix to secure that runner-up position, before a move to the intermediate class next season, alongside no one else than new 2024 Moto3™ World Champion, David Alonso. With a sixth place earlier in the year at the Catalan Grand Prix, Holgado was eager to do better this weekend for the last one. His campaign started quite well during the chilly opening session this morning, with the #96 taking the 6th time of Free Practice with a 1’48.182 (+0.901) after 16 laps. Track conditions became a bit better in the afternoon as the temperature went up, which allowed the Spaniard to continue improving his feeling on both track and bike. A late effort from Holgado in 1’46.568 saw him take the honours of Practice 1, and he will head to Saturday with one clear goal, a front-row start.

After completing his first career overseas tour in the Grand Prix, Australian Jacob Roulstone was back for a special weekend at his home away from home, his final one as a Moto3™ rookie. The last time out in Catalunya, the Red Bull GASGAS Tech3 rider had scored his best result of the season with a brilliant 8th position, equaling the Americas GP. Friday started pretty well for the number 12 who was in the top 10 of the opening Free Practice with a 1'48.334. In a tight Practice 1, the Australian found margin to improve as he took his time down to a 1’47.288 in his last flying lap. That placed him in P15 heading to qualifying day, but he is just 0.7 seconds away from the fastest lap of the day, and he will have his chances to qualify to Q2 as Moto3™ action is set to resume on Saturday at 8:40 local time (GMT+1).