The Red Bull KTM Tech3 Moto3 squad headed to southern Spain this weekend (14–15 February) for two crucial days of pre-season testing at the iconic Circuito de Jerez. The test consolidated valuable mileage gathered earlier in the week during a test at Portimão.
Spain Moto3™ Test
Marking the final on-track preparations before the 2026 Moto3 World Championship gets underway, the Jerez test saw the team’s new line-up of rookie Finnish rider Rico Salmela alongside last year’s multiple podium-finisher, Valentin Perrone, take on the Andalusian circuit aboard the latest KTM machinery.
Facing tricky winter conditions and a competitive Moto3 field, the test provided the final opportunity to finalise winter development work, evaluate race simulations and fine-tune qualifying pace.
Saturday
The opening day centred on confirming the direction established in Portimão and adapting to the unique demands of Jerez.
Impressive debutant, Salmela, completed 58 laps, setting a best time of 1’45.518, placing him P10 on the combined timesheets. An impressive opening day for the rookie on the big stage. Experienced teammate, Perrone, logged 51 laps, posting a personal best of 1’45.492, finishing the day just a place above his teammate in P9.
Saturday’s running affirmed that both riders were firmly within the mix and looked self-assured going into the final pre-season day on Sunday.
Sunday
After an impressive first day, both riders concentrated on refining what they had learned, as their times started to improve on the final day of pre-season in 2026.
Salmela completed 47 laps, setting a best time of 1’44.942, placing him P16 on the combined timesheets. Perrone logged 50 laps, posting 1’44.485 as his best time, finishing P9 overall.
Returning for a second season with the team, Perrone capitalised on his experience, stating: “I felt super comfortable with the bike during both days at the Jerez pre-season test in the dry, but also at the previous test in Portimão in the wet conditions. I worked hard with the team to find good setups. I think they were even better than the ones we had last year. So, I'm quite happy about that. And then also, I improved a lot on riding alone, on my own pace, being consistent every lap. I'm super happy about this. I needed to improve, and I did it.
Now, we are ready to start the season in Thailand. I think it will be very important to do well at the first race to start the season with a good feeling. I think we have worked well together at the preseason test, and we are ready to battle in Thailand.”
For rookie Salmela, the Jerez test marked another step forward in his adaptation to full-time Moto3 competition, adding: “It was a good two days with the team at the Jerez test. It was a positive test, especially with how I felt on the bike. I improved a lot during these two days, but already on the first laps, I felt quite good with the bike. We worked well with the team and with all the test programmes I needed to complete, so I’m happy with this. I now just need to keep improving.
“I’m heading home to Finland, where I will focus on the important outcomes of the test and study ahead of Thailand. I’m really excited for the first race, to discover a new circuit and country and to make my debut for the team in the Moto3 World Championship.”
Rounding out pre-season testing, Jerez was the perfect venue for the Red Bull KTM Tech3 Moto3 team to show their potential before heading to the Chang International circuit for Round 1 of the 2026 Moto3 World Championship in two weeks’ time.
COMBINED SESSIONS RESULTS
1. Maximo Quiles (SPA), CFMOTO Aspar Team, 1'43.930
2. Scott Ogden (UK), CIP Green Power, +0.124
3. Adrian Fernandez (SPA), Leopard Racing, +0.124
9. Valentin Perrone (ARG), Red Bull KTM Tech3, +0.555
16. Rico Salmela (FIN), Red Bull KTM Tech3, +1.012
TRACK RECORDS
All Time Record: 2024 - D. Alonso (COL) - 1'43.710 - 153.5 km/h
Best Race Lap: 2025 - J Rueda (SPA) - 1'44.352 - 152.5 km/h
Best Pole: 2025 - J Rueda (SPA) - 1'43.755 - 153.4 km/h
Top Speed: 2025 - A. Fernandez (SPA) - 221.3 km/h
