Martin and Canet hunting for home glory

As the paddock returns to Europe and Spain, there’s a lot at stake for the two men at the top of the standings

Following his stunning win at the Circuit of the Americas, Jorge Martin (Del Conca Gresini Moto3) now returns to his first home race of the year leading the Championship. With two wins from three so far, it’s looking good for the Spaniard – but compatriot Aron Canet (Estrella Galicia 0,0) is hot on his tail, and wants exactly the same thing: home glory, something he took in 2017.

So can either of the two take victory in Jerez? The men trying to stand in their way on track will likely be the same as those next up in the standings: Argentina GP winner Marco Bezzecchi (Redox PruestelGP), Fabio Di Giannantonio (Del Conca Gresini Moto3) and Enea Bastianini (Leopard Racing). For the Italian trio, the stage matters not – it’s just about the race. And an added curve ball? ‘Diggia’ has been getting close to a win, but is yet to take that maiden victory…is that as big an incentive to push as the promise of home glory?

Moto3™ is never protagonised by such a small group, however. Gabriel Rodrigo (RBA BOE Skull Rider), Andrea Migno (Angel Nieto Team Moto3) and Niccolo Antonelli (SIC58 Squadra Corse) have all shown big flashes of pace and had some top results, and riders like Ayumu Sasaki (Petronas Sprinta Racing), who has leapt up the timesheets this season, add another challenge to the grid for those who want that 25 points.

The fight for Rookie of the Year is another to consider. The rider currently leading that charge is Alonso Lopez (Estrella Galicia 0,0), and Jaume Masia (Bester Capital Dubai), Dennis Foggia (Sky Racing Team VR46), Kazuki Masaki (RBA BOE Skull Rider) and Makar Yurchenko (CIP – Green Power) will want to start scoring bigger as soon as possible. Their ace card? Familiar territory, with all having raced at Jerez before.

The Moto3™ field will be hotting up around the classic Circuito de Jerez from Friday 4th May, before the race on Sunday at 11:00 (GMT +2).