AutoAction
FREE DIGITAL MAGAZINE SIGN UP

Aussies show progress on global stage

Kelso Moto3 Qatar

By Thomas Miles

Across FIA Formula 3, Moto2 and Moto3, Aussies from James Wharton to Joel Kelso showed plenty of promise on the weekend on the global stage.

After debuting in front of a massive home crowd at Albert Park, Wharton was back in action at Bahrain and enjoyed a more improved showing.

Despite being restricted to 24th in qualifying due to traffic dramas, the ART Aussie surged forward 11 positions to get a fighting 13th.

Unfortunately a promising start to the Feature race ended quickly when Wharton got caught up in an early accident.

However, he is encouraged by the progress made ahead of the next round at Imola next month.

“It wasn’t an easy weekend. When you qualify at the back in this category, it’s hard to move forward and you often get caught in the mess,” he said.

“Today was another tough race, but there are positives — our race pace is strong, and we should be fighting at the front.

Wharton

James Wharton got some points in Bahrain. Image: Dutch Photo Agency

“We just need to put it all together in qualifying. Now the focus is on working with the team before Imola, starting the triple header strong, and building momentum. The team’s doing a great job, and we’ll come back stronger.”

In Moto2 Senna Agius returned to the points after missing out at Texas.

He fought hard for 14th to secure two points on his Intact GP Kalex.

There was more success in Moto3 however, as Kelso continued his good form to shoot up to third in the standings.

Kelso did so my getting a fighting fourth, but that does not reflect how close he was to victory.

Having started on the front row, the LevelUP MTA KTM rider battled for victory throughout 16 enthralling laps.

It all came down to a four-way photo finish with Kelso falling just 0.097s short, which was remarkably only enough for fourth.

Angel Piqueras took a remarkable win from Taiyo Furusato by the crazy margin of 0.009s.

Meanwhile, KTM Tech3 teenager Jacon Roulstone continued his inspiring comeback from a horrific testing crash which left him with a fractured spine.

Also the final session of GB3 testing has taken p

Having completed his first race since the injury at Texas, Roulstone recorded an identical result of 14th at Qatar.

The motorcycle grand prix season returns to Europe in a fortnight for the Spanish Grand Prix at Jerez.

Buy the new issue of Auto Action Premium HERE

Read the new issue of Auto Action Digital HERE

Don’t forget the print edition of Auto Action available via subscription here or you can purchase a copy of the latest issue from one of our outlets here. For more of the latest motorsport newssubscribe to AUTO ACTION magazine

Auto Action Premium On Sale Now