Moto3 Team Heads to Mugello for Italian Grand Prix
The Junior squad leaves Portugal with strong Moto4 pace, another podium fight for Qabil Irfan, a career-best finish for Ethan Sparks and valuable lessons ahead of the next FIM Moto Junior round at Jerez.
In the Momoven Moto 4 European Cup, Qabil Irfan made an impressive start to the weekend at the very circuit where he was crowned ESBK Champion last year. The Malaysian rider immediately demonstrated his pace by topping his group in both Friday free practice sessions, posting a 1:46.534 in FP1 and a 1:47.092 in FP2.
On the other side of the garage, Ethan Sparks focused on building confidence throughout Friday. The British rider finished 19th in his group during FP1 with a 1:49.242 before improving to 14th in FP2 with a best lap of 1:48.460.
Irfan continued his strong form on Saturday, securing direct passage to Q2 after setting the second-fastest time in his group during Practice with a 1:46.747. In the afternoon qualifying session, he set the fifth-fastest time in Q2 with a 1:46.908, earning ninth place on the grid.
Sparks endured a challenging qualifying day after suffering two crashes during Practice and Q2 that left him carrying injuries into Sunday’s races. He narrowly missed direct qualification to Q2 after finishing 12th in Practice with a 1:47.495. However, he topped Q1 in his group with a 1:47.645, securing a place in Q2. While improving on his final flying lap after the chequered flag, the #62 crashed, ending his session prematurely and leaving him 14th on the grid.
Sunday delivered mixed fortunes for the Moto 4 squad. In Race 1, Irfan started from the third row and was running in a strong third position before crashing on lap 11. Despite significant discomfort in his right leg and left hand following Saturday’s incidents, Sparks completed the race and crossed the finish line in 20th position.
In Race 2, Irfan bounced back, spending much of the race battling for the podium positions before ultimately finishing fourth, narrowly missing out on a top-three result. Sparks produced an impressive recovery ride, carving his way through the field to claim sixth place at the chequered flag — his best result in the category to date.
In the FIM Moto Junior World Championship, Evan Belford returned to action after missing the opening round in Barcelona through injury. The British rider faced a demanding weekend, finishing 19th in FP1 with a 1:45.416 and 16th in FP2 with a 1:44.938.
Belford narrowly missed direct qualification to Q2 on Saturday after setting the 16th-fastest time in Practice with a 1:44.166, forcing him into Q1. Like Sparks, the #52 successfully advanced by finishing third in Q1 with a 1:44.200 before posting a 1:44.383 in Q2, securing 13th place and a fifth-row start for Sunday’s race.
Unfortunately, Belford’s race ended prematurely. After making a strong start and moving into 12th position while battling within the leading group, he crashed in the opening stages, bringing an early end to the weekend.
With Irfan once again challenging for podium honours, Sparks achieving a career-best Moto 4 result and Belford showing encouraging pace on his return from injury, the team now turns its attention to the next round of the season at Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto, Spain, on 3–5 July.