Joel Kelso Secures Second Place in Thrilling Moto3 Phillip Island Race
Joel Kelso delivered an impressive performance at the Moto3 Australian Grand Prix held at the iconic Phillip Island circuit, finishing in second place. His remarkable ride solidified his reputation in the Moto3 category as he continues to excel in the series.
Race Highlights
Kelso, competing for LevelUp-MTA, raced alongside Jose Antonio Rueda, who ultimately took the victory. The two riders established a significant lead over the remaining competitors, with a gap of over 12 seconds from Kelso to third place.
- Race Distance: 21 laps
- Winning Time: Rueda finished with a time just 0.829 seconds ahead of Kelso
- Kelso’s Fastest Lap: Consistently aimed to save his tires throughout the race
Performance Overview
This marked Kelso’s second podium appearance at Phillip Island, following his third place in 2023. It was a significant achievement, being his fifth podium in Moto3 and fourth of the current season.
Kelso initiated the race in a strong position, leading the first lap before falling behind Rueda. Despite his competitive spirit, Kelso acknowledged Rueda’s superior tire management, stating, “I tried my absolute best… But he’s too good.” Kelso expressed his intent to conserve his tires, which ultimately impacted his speed in the closing laps.
Other Competitors
In addition to Kelso and Rueda, several other riders made notable attempts to finish strong. Alvaro Carpe placed third, while Jacob Roulstone experienced an unfortunate exit due to a crash on Lap 4, despite an impressive climb from 13th to fourth place earlier in the race. Cormac Buchanan, representing New Zealand, finished in 11th place.
Upcoming Events
The Moto3 series will continue at Sepang, Malaysia, from October 24 to 26, as competitors prepare for the next challenge. Fans and teams are eager to see how Kelso and his rivals will perform on this new front.
Final Standings – Moto3 Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix, Phillip Island
| Position | Rider | Team | Bike | Laps/Diff |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jose Antonio Rueda | Red Bull KTM Ajo | KTM | 21 laps |
| 2 | Joel Kelso | LEVELUP-MTA | KTM | 0.829 |
| 3 | Alvaro Carpe | Red Bull KTM Ajo | KTM | 12.638 |
| 4 | Joel Esteban | CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team | KTM | 12.696 |
| 5 | Maximo Quiles | CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team | KTM | 12.773 |
| 11 | Cormac Buchanan | Denssi Racing – BOE | KTM | 25.42 |
As the Moto3 season progresses, fans will eagerly watch Kelso strive for more podium finishes and aim for victory in future races.
