The Red Bull KTM Tech3 Moto3™ team was back racing in Europe for the two final rounds of the 2025 season, and things started with the Grand Prix of Portugal at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve. Jacob Roulstone had to sit out round 21 this week following his left-hand fracture sustained at the Malaysian Grand Prix, and he was replaced by Spaniard Joel Esteban, teaming up with Valentin Perrone.
Grand Prix of Portugal
The young Argentinian Valentin Perrone was eager to return to Portimao, the track where he made his debuts in Moto3™ during the pre-season testing. Since then, the rookie has taken his maiden podium in the category at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he grabbed another one at the Hungarian Grand Prix in August. Two pole positions were also added to his successful rookie year, in Austria and Misano. Valentin delivered a solid first day in Portugal as he was amongst the pace setters of the opening day. 5th of the opening FP1 this morning, the rookie qualified directly to Q2 on Friday afternoon, as he took the 10th time, with a fastest lap in 1’47.763 (+0.707). Job done for the day!
On the other side of the pit box, a familiar face was amongst us this weekend, since Spaniard Joel Esteban had already replaced an injured Jacob Roulstone during the pre-season tests, and the two first rounds of the season in Thailand and Argentina. The number 78 was eager to race with the Red Bull KTM Tech3 team in Portimao, having already his references from February’s Portimao Test. The Spaniard started strong, as he was third fastest of FP1 this morning with a 1’47.581, just 0.159 seconds from Dennis Foggia taking the honours this morning. However, in the afternoon’s practice, the young rider struggled a bit more to put it all together for a perfect lap as the track conditions go trickier. His fastest lap before the rain arrived was a 1’48.549, one that saw him end the day in 23rd, meaning he will face Q1 on Saturday. We’ll be back on track on Saturday with FP2 kicking off the day at 8:40 local time, followed later on by qualifying, starting at 12:45.
VALENTIN PERRONE: "I am happy with our first day here in Portimao. In FP1, I felt super comfortable on the bike, and I felt like I could ride like I wanted, so it was an amazing feeling. I did many good laps on my own, which I was really happy with. In Practice, we tried to go with a group, then the track conditions were not perfect, but we did not do too bad. We finished in P10, and we are going directly to Q2, which was the target. We have a margin to improve a bit more, so let’s work on that and try to qualify well on Saturday."
JOEL ESTEBAN: "Our pace was really good in the first session, with the hard tire at the rear, and I was happy with the bike's setting. In Practice, we struggled a bit more with the used tires, the grip was quite bad, and then the rain made things more difficult. When we switched to new tires, I could improve a bit more, but it was a bit too late since it began raining a lot. Anyway, we are feeling confident, we have the speed, and tomorrow, we can try to pass to Q2."
PRACTICE SESSION RESULTS
1. David Almansa (SPA), Leopard Racing, 1'47.056
2. Taiyo Furusato (JPN), Honda Team Asia, +0.135
3. Maximo Quiles (SPA), CFMOTO Aspar Team, +0.239
10. Valentin Perrone (ARG), Red Bull KTM Tech3, +0.707
23. Joel Esteban (SPA), Red Bull KTM Tech3, +1.493
TRACK RECORDS
All Time Record: 2024 - J. Rueda (SPA) - 1'46.379 - 155.3 km/h
Best Race Lap: 2024 - D. Alonso (COL) - 1'46.985 - 154.5 km/h
Best Pole: 2024 - J. Rueda (SPA) - 1'46.379 - 155.3 km/h
Top Speed: 2024 - I. Ortola (SPA) - 251.7 km/h
