Leading into Portuguese Grand Prix ends with unfortunate crash for Kelso after finish line

The long wait is over as MotoGP™ is back on the track. The first stop this season was Europe. There has been a lot of action at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve in the south of Portugal over the past few days.

Friday started with a mix of sun, clouds, wind and light drizzle, but cleared up by Sunday and presented the spectators with exciting races in sunny conditions.

What was already indicated in the pre-tests was confirmed by the two CFMOTO Racing PruestelGP riders #43 Xavier Artigas and #66 Joel Kelso in the first free practice session, raising hopes of a great start to the season.

On Saturday, it was newcomer Joel Kelso who was able to improve on his performance from the free practice sessions in qualifying and secure a place on the front row of the grid for the GRANDE PRÉMIO TISSOT DE PORTUGAL with the third fastest lap. Xavier Artigas confirmed the good team attitude with 7th place on the grid.

The result was very pleasing, as the official market launch of the new CFMOTO 450SR (super sports bike) took place on Saturday afternoon directly in front of the main grandstand of the circuit, for which a CFMOTO manager delegation from headquarter had also travelled from China. In addition to many technical discussions, the actual highlight of the presentation for the numerous fans and spectators of this event was the bike unveiling with the CFMOTO factory riders Kelso and Artigas. Those present took the opportunity to take photos with the Moto3™ riders. Later in the evening, there was a joint CFMOTO dinner in the paddock.

On Sunday, the time had finally come for the first Grand Prix of the year. In the morning, the CFMOTO team was still slightly tense, but when the red lights went out, Australian #66 Joel Kelso made a turbo start and turned into the first corner in the lead. His Spanish teammate #43 Xavier Artigas also made good use of his riding skills and joined the lead group just behind. A race developed which could hardly be surpassed in terms of excitement, characterised by many overtaking manoeuvres. Both CFMOTO riders showed a great race and were also able to collect lead kilometres.

In the end, luck was not entirely on CFMOTO’s side. Artigas and Kelso crossed the finish line in 8th and 9th place after an exhausting race in the top 10. Nevertheless, a promising performance with a reach for the podium.

The biggest shock moment came after the finish when Joel Kelso had an unfortunate collision with another rider and crashed heavily. Joel was taken to the medical center for examination, where a fracture in his left ankle was diagnosed. The team is already working on solutions, as the next Grand Prix in Argentina, Termas de Río Hondo, will take place next week.