For the first time in his career, José Antonio Rueda will start from pole position in Moto3. The rider was the fastest in the qualifying session of the Portuguese GP, setting a new lap record at the Portimão circuit.
The first leader of the session was David Alonso (CFMoto Gaviota Aspar), with Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) in second and Matteo Bertelle (Rivacold Snipers Team/Honda) in third.
The positions of the top two switched with the second flying laps: Rueda moved to the top, swapping places with Alonso. The third spot was taken by Daniel Holgado (Red Bull GasGas Tech3).
After going into the garages in the mid-session, the riders returned to the track for the final five minutes. Joel Kelso (Boé Motorsports/KTM) came back with a new lap record to take the lead.
The benchmark was set at 1m46.438s. Just when it seemed like Kelso was going to secure his first pole position, Rueda had other plans and surpassed the Australian by 59 thousandths to claim pole position. The circuit record was set at 1m46.379s. Alonso, who improved on his final lap, finished third, 0.118s off the top. Holgado was fourth, sharing the second row with Riccardo Rossi (CIP Green Power/KTM) and Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP).
Q2 results:
Overall qualifying results: