Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1535302
working his way through the front group and sat third on the final lap. At the last corner, Munoz attempted a bold move on Kelso, made contact, and both riders went wide—allowing Rueda to sweep through for the win. Munoz crossed the line second but was penalized for the move and relegated to third, promoting Kelso to second. The result also boosts Rueda's title hopes, as key rival Angel Piqueras (Frinsa – MT Helmets – MSI) crashed out. Rookie polesitter Max Quiles led early but was soon passed by Kelso, who controlled most of the race. The front group eventu - ally narrowed to Kelso, Munoz, Rueda and Guido Pini (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact), until Pini slid out. Alvaro Carpe (Red Bull KTM Ajo) nearly joined the podium fight but finished fourth, just ahead of David Almansa (Leop - ard Racing). Baltus kept the pressure on but couldn't close the gap, finishing 1.8 seconds behind. Canet held off Moreira and Dixon to seal third. Albert Arenas (Italjet Gresini Moto2) took sixth ahead of Salac, Celestino Vietti (Folladore SpeedRS), rookie Ivan Ortola (QJ - Motor – Frinsa – MSI), and Alon- so Lopez (Folladore SpeedRS) r ounded out the top 10. Gonzalez made a little more ground on his pursuers in the title race and now leads by 16 points from Canet, with Dixon third, 34 points in arrears. MOTO3 Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) pulled off a stunning last-lap victory at the Michelin Grand Prix of France, capitaliz- ing on late drama between Joel Kelso (LevelUp-MTA) and David Munoz (Liqui Moly Dynavolt In - tact GP). Rueda had been steadily Sonego), with Aron Canet (Fantic Racing Lino Sonego) completing the podium. At lights out, Diogo Moreira (Italtrans Racing Team) launched into the lead after an aggressive move on polesitter Gonzalez into the Dunlop chi - cane. Teammates Jake Dixon and Filip Salac (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) both made great starts, moving into third and fourth, while Baltus slipped to fifth and Canet dropped to P10. Gonzalez reclaimed the lead on lap four at turn nine, with Bal - tus charging through to third. By lap eight, the Belgian had passed Moreira and began reeling in the leader. Canet, meanwhile, fought back to fourth by lap 12 before a near highside at turn four forced him to regroup. In the final laps, Gonzalez found an extra gear, edging over five-tenths of a second clear. ROUND 6 / MAY 9-11, 2025 BUGATTI CIRCUIT / LE MANS, FRANCE ROAD RACE I FIM MOTOGP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP P92 Manuel Gonzalez (18) had another near-perfect weekend with the Moto2 pole and win, while Barry Baltus (7) took his second straight podium in second.