Angel Piqueras wins thrilling Argentina Moto3 race after final-lap battle

Piqueras secured his first victory of the season in a dramatic Argentina Moto3 race, holding off Adrian Fernandez and Jose Antonio Rueda.

Angel Piqueras of Spain rides during a practice session for the Moto3 Argentina Grand Prix at the Termas de Rio Hondo circuit in Santiago del Estero, Argentina, on March 14, 2025. Photo by Luis Robayo/AFP

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

The Argentina Moto3 race at the Termas de Río Hondo Circuit delivered a breathtaking spectacle, with Angel Piqueras emerging victorious in a dramatic showdown. The Spanish rider fought fiercely against Adrian Fernandez and Jose Antonio Rueda, securing his first win of the season in a thrilling last-lap battle. Despite finishing third, Rueda maintained his lead in the 2025 Moto3 World Championship standings, proving his consistency in the early rounds of the season.

KTM dominates qualifying but faces fierce race-day challenge

KTM’s Moto3 contingent dominated the front row in qualifying, with Matteo Bertelle stunning the paddock by securing pole position for the second consecutive year. His MSi teammates, Ryusei Yamanaka and Angel Piqueras, also showed impressive speed, raising expectations for a strong performance in the race.

However, as the lights went out, the fight for victory intensified immediately. Bertelle struggled off the line, losing several positions in the opening corners, while Leopard Racing’s David Almansa launched an aggressive attack to seize the lead. His early charge was short-lived as he ran wide, allowing the KTM riders to regain control of the race.

David Muñoz, meanwhile, faced an uphill battle after serving a pit lane start penalty due to an incident in the previous round. Despite his best efforts to fight through the pack, technical issues forced him to retire early, ending his hopes of a comeback.

Relentless battle among Moto3 frontrunners

The leading pack saw non-stop action, with multiple riders swapping positions in a fierce contest for the win. Rueda, Bertelle, Piqueras, Almansa, and Riccardo Rossi were all in the mix, each taking turns at the front as the race unfolded. Adding to the excitement, home rider Valentin Perrone put in a determined performance, briefly fighting among the front-runners and drawing loud cheers from the passionate Argentine crowd.

As the laps counted down, strategy came into play. Bertelle made a bold attempt to break away with three laps remaining, opening up a half-second gap over the chasing group. But his advantage was short-lived, as Piqueras and Rueda quickly reeled him in, setting the stage for a dramatic finale.

Piqueras withstands late attacks to take the win

Heading into the final lap, five riders remained in contention for victory. Piqueras led the charge, closely followed by Fernandez, Rueda, and Bertelle. In the last two corners, Rueda made an aggressive move for the lead but ran slightly wide, opening the door for Fernandez to attack.

Despite the intense pressure, Piqueras held his nerve, defending his position perfectly to cross the finish line first. Fernandez secured second place, while Rueda had to settle for third after narrowly missing out on the win. Bertelle, who had led earlier, ended up fourth following a post-race penalty that dropped Taiyo Furusato down the order.

For Perrone, hopes of a strong home result ended in heartbreak when he crashed at the final corner, failing to finish the race. The Argentine rider had shown great pace but was unable to convert it into a top result.

Rueda maintains championship lead as Piqueras emerges as a contender

Despite missing out on victory, Rueda’s third-place finish ensured he retained the lead in the 2025 Moto3 standings. The Spanish rider has shown impressive consistency in the opening rounds, establishing himself as a key contender in the title race.

Meanwhile, Piqueras' first win of the season solidifies his status as a rising threat in the championship. With his strong pace and ability to perform under pressure, the Spaniard is now seen as a serious challenger for the Moto3 crown.

Once again, the Argentina Moto3 race delivered edge-of-the-seat action, proving why the category remains one of the most exciting in motorcycle racing. As the season progresses, the battle for the title is only set to intensify.