Buriram, Thailand – David Almansa of the Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP team delivered a blistering performance at the Chang International Circuit on Saturday, securing pole position for the Moto3 Thai Grand Prix and shattering the lap record in the process. His stunning time of 1:40.088 during qualifying puts him a significant four tenths of a second ahead of his rivals, setting the stage for a thrilling race on Sunday. This achievement marks a strong start to the season for the young Spaniard, who is looking to build on his performance from 2025.
The qualifying session was a dramatic affair, with the top spot changing hands several times before Almansa’s decisive late run. Alvaro Carpe (Red Bull KTM Ajo) had held the lead for a considerable period, ultimately finishing second with a time of 1:41.068. Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing) rounded out the front row, securing third place with a lap of 1:41.194. The intensity of the competition underscores the high stakes as the Moto3 World Championship gets underway. Fans eager to follow the full qualifying results can find them here.
Almansa’s Dominant Run
Almansa’s pole position wasn’t simply a matter of speed. it was a demonstration of consistency and strategic timing. According to reports from the track, the 22-year-old rider was consistently near the top of the timesheets throughout the session, finally unleashing his fastest lap right at the end. This performance builds on a strong 2025 season, where he showed promise and now appears ready to contend for the championship. As noted by MotoGP.com, Almansa “got straight down to business and never found himself too far away from the top of the timesheets.”
A Competitive Field Takes Shape
While Almansa claimed the top spot, the rest of the grid is shaping up to be fiercely competitive. Max Quiles (CFMoto Gaviota Aspar Team) qualified in fourth, demonstrating the growing strength of the CFMoto team. Perhaps the most surprising result of the day was the impressive debut of Indonesian rider Veda Pratama (Honda Team Asia), who secured fifth place and even briefly led the session during Q2. This performance is a significant breakthrough for the young rider and a boost for the Honda Team Asia.
David Muñoz (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) also had a strong showing, climbing from Q1 to secure sixth place. The top ten was completed by Ryusei Yamanaka (AEON Credit – MT Helmets – MSI), Scott Ogden (CIP – Green Power), Guido Pini (Leopard Racing), and Casey O’Gorman (SIC58 Squadra Corse). The diverse representation of teams and nationalities highlights the global appeal and competitive nature of the Moto3 World Championship.
Almansa’s Background and Rise in Moto3
David García Almansa, born January 22, 2006, has quickly become a name to watch in the world of motorcycle racing. According to his Wikipedia page, Almansa began racing in Spain at a young age, winning his first championship by the age of 13. He then progressed through the Spanish Cuna de Campeones Moto5 championship, winning the title in 2019. His move to the European Talent Cup in 2021 saw him secure a race win, and he continued to climb the ranks through the FIM JuniorGP World Championship, finishing eighth in 2022 and ninth in 2023.
Almansa made his debut in the Moto3 World Championship as a wildcard for Boé Motorsports at the final round of 2022. He then joined CFMoto Racing Prüstel GP for a couple of rounds in 2023, gaining valuable experience before securing a full-time ride with Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP for the 2026 season. This progression demonstrates his dedication and talent, culminating in his impressive pole position performance in Thailand.
The Moto3 race at Buriram promises to be a captivating contest. With Almansa starting from pole and a host of talented riders eager to challenge him, fans can expect a thrilling battle for victory. The race is scheduled for Sunday, and all eyes will be on Almansa to see if he can convert his qualifying pace into a race win. The next step for the riders is the race itself, where strategy and endurance will be key.
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