The Moto3™ has not yet really got going and already the route for CFMOTO Racing PruestelGP has to be recalculated like in a navigation device. After the unfortunate crash of CFMOTO rider #66 Joel Kelso ended with a fractured ankle of the left foot, a quick reaction was made on the race Sunday and a substitute rider was hired.
So the race thriller turned into a battle against time, as the next leg of the MotoGP™ race moves to Argentina. Flying to South America with just Xavi Artigas was not an option after the impressive performance of the CFMOTO team at the start in Portugal.
The 17-year-old Spaniard #92 David Almansa, who hails from the small town of Argamasilla de Calatrava, will substitute Joel Kelso for the upcoming race in Argentina. Regularly, David is currently competing in his second season in the FIM JuniorGP World Championship and made his debut in the Moto3™ World Championship in the last race of 2022 in Valencia. We are delighted to welcome him to the CFMOTO family for Argentina.
Nevertheless, the team hopes that Joel will be fit again as soon as possible and be able to take his place on the CFMOTO. His surgery on the injured ankle went well and he will enter rehabilitation as soon as possible.
Opened in 2007, the layout of the race track Termas de Rio Hondo was adapted again soon after and today offers a total length of 4,807 m and a total of 14 curves with long, fast straights and narrow passages. This is a guarantee for an exciting Grand Prix. After an adjustment of the safety conditions in 2013, the run-off zones were extended with gravel beds and the asphalt was significantly improved. Since then, all racing events have been allowed here with the exception of Formula 1. The MotoGP™ circuit was held here for the first time in 2014 and has since become a permanent fixture on the racing calendar.
Once halfway around the globe, the CFMOTO factory team wants to keep on the sporting performance of the previous week on South American soil.
#43 Xavier Artigas
“The second round of the season is coming up and I have a bit of mixed feelings about Argentina. I raced on this track for the first time in 2022 and I really like the layout. Unfortunately, I had to retire from last year’s race in third place due to technical issues. That was a shame and of course we want to do better this time. We had a good start to the 2023 season, the CFMOTO bike is running very well, we are fast and have a good riding rhythm. These are the best prerequisites for attacking again this week.”
#92 David Almansa
“First of all, I would like to wish Joel Kelso a speedy recovery. I am very happy to be racing this week at the Argentina Grand Prix in the Moto3™ class with CFMOTO Racing PruestelGP. I am very motivated and looking forward to enjoy and learn from the best riders in the world. I am very grateful to the team for offering me this opportunity.”
#66 Joel Kelso
“My surgery went better than expected. A tendon was severed and had to be treated. I will start my rehab soon and in a week I can put weight on the foot again. I want to get back on track as soon as possible because we started the season super strong. Thanks to everyone for the support and the nice messages. I look forward to seeing you all again.”
Timetable of the Grand Premio Michelin® de la República Argentina from 31 Mar – 02 Apr for the Moto3™
FRIDAY, 31 MAR 2023
14:00 – 14:35 (CET)
18:15 – 18:50 (CET)
Moto3™
Moto3™
Free Practice Nr. 1
Free Practice Nr. 2
SATURDAY, 01 APR 2023
13:40- 14:10 (CET)
17:50– 18:05 (CET)
18:15– 18:30 (CET)
Moto3™
Moto3™
Moto3™
Free Practice Nr. 3
Qualifying Nr. 1
Qualifying Nr. 2
SUNDAY, 02 APR 2023
16:00 (CET)
Moto3™
Race (21 Laps)
