Brian Uriarte has shattered expectations by seizing pole position at the Moto3 Austrian , delivering a stunning late charge that set a new lap record of 1:39.544. The Ajo rookie’s blistering qualifying lap in Q2 denied leader David Almansa a third successive front-row start, intensifying the rivalry that has emerged despite Almansa’s commanding 111-point advantage in the standings.
Almansa, who dominated Friday’s sessions and looked poised to clinch pole on Saturday, was ultimately outpaced in the final moments by Uriarte’s relentless pace. The Spanish contender held provisional pole for much of the session, but Uriarte, already fastest in the FP2 morning practice, unleashed a flawless lap under the checkered flag to secure his second pole of the season and rewrite the Moto3 record books at the Austrian circuit.
Álvaro Carpe capitalised on the competitive pace to lock down the third spot on the grid, rounding out a strong front row that offers him a timely boost following a disappointing San Marino GP which cost him second place in the . Meanwhile, Máximo Quiles, the Aspar rider and leader, was unable to challenge for the top three, settling for fourth place. He will start alongside Matteo Bertelle and Scott Ogden on the second row, ready to defend his title advantage despite the renewed threat from Almansa and Uriarte.
Joel Kelso secured seventh, while David Muñoz made a notable return from injury by advancing through Q1 to claim ninth on the grid, positioned between Joel Esteban and Rico Salmela. In contrast, Veda Pratama failed to progress beyond Q1, relegated to 19th on the starting lineup. Hakim Danish suffered a setback after a crash in Q2, which means he will start from 15th place.
The qualifying results mark a pivotal moment in the Moto3 battle, with Uriarte’s electrifying pace injecting fresh competition into a season that appeared largely decided. Uriarte’s pole not only disrupts Almansa’s momentum but also sets the stage for a fiercely contested race at the .
The Q2 classification showcased a blend of emerging talent and contenders, underscoring the unpredictable nature of the Moto3 category as the Austrian approaches.