MotoGP Le Mans: Moto3 race preview

After a grandstand finish and a one-two on home turf for the Aspar Moto3 Team, Le Mans awaits, with another final corner that tempts a showdown.

Gaviota GASGAS Aspar’s Izan Guevara pulled a genius rabbit out the hat to take his first win of the year at Jerez last time out, heading round the outside of the final corner to outfox the rest. In doing so he underlined his impressive form in the World Championship – and in 2022 so far – and brought himself a few points closer to the top. But the top remains in the hands of more veteran teammate Sergio Garcia, with the Spaniard playing arguably the right cards in Jerez but coming up just short – nevertheless extending his lead over closest rival Dennis Foggia (Leopard Racing). Next up it’s Le Mans, and the final corner at the French venue offers another opportunity for those whose ambition is matched by their talent. So does anyone have an answer for the duo this time out?

Last season the weather put paid to a more usual Moto3 showdown, and that will once again be a key consideration as Le Mans can be one more prone to rain. Even then though, Garcia won it and by more than a couple of seconds, so there’s no salvation coming from the weather for those looking to cut the gap. Foggia, with a more difficult record in the wet, will be one hoping it’s dry, and the Italian’s record at the venue doesn’t pencil it in as a key target for a place to make up ground either – so it could be damage limitation.

Guevara’s track record, meanwhile, doesn’t seem to have mattered much so far this season as he’s been fast everywhere, although Jerez is a circuit where the number 28 has more experience. Tracks like Le Mans are a good place to prove the step forward. For Red Bull KTM Ajo’s Jaume Masia,