Alvaro Carpe dashed Assen’s hopes as he burst onto the field in Friday’s opening Moto3 practice and dominated with a fiery lap that left his rivals behind. The Spanish sensation roared around the TT Circuit Assen in just 1:40.869, the only rider to dip completely under the 1:41 barrier and setting an early marker for the rest of the Dutch Grand Prix weekend.
The first free practice session of the 2026 Moto3 Dutch Grand Prix came to life as Carpe, representing Red Bull KTM AJO, set the fastest time of the morning. His fellow Spaniard David Almansa (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) was next out, missing out on the top spot with a time of 1:40.968 – just 0.099 seconds behind. Max Quiles (CFMoto Gaviota Aspar Team) completed the leading trio, but already found himself almost three tenths of a second back at 1:41.167. The top five included Argentina’s Marco Morelli (CFMoto Gaviota Espar Team) and Australia’s Joel Kelso (GRYD-MLAV Racing), both a short distance away from each other as the Moto3 pack trailed the frontrunners.
This opening salvo at the famous Dutch circuit signals a fierce battle ahead, with Assen’s high-speed turns and unpredictable weather always offering drama. The Dutch TT is a sacred battlefield in motorcycle racing, its history is full of ups and downs and iconic moments. For rising stars like Carpe and Almansa, Friday’s session is more than just a warm-up – it’s the first psychological blow of a weekend where every fraction of a second counts and reputations are built under pressure.
Moto3, the breeding ground for future world champions, is renowned for its close racing and extremely tight margins. But Carpe’s explosive lap sent a shock through the paddock, reminding everyone that raw speed can still separate the best from the rest. The rest of the top ten included Finland’s Rico Salmela (Red Bull KTM Tech3), Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing), Britain’s Scott Ogden (CIP Green Power), Argentina’s Valentin Perron (Red Bull KTM Tech3) and South Africa’s Ruche Moodley (CODE Motorsports) all clocking laps within half a second of each other, underscoring the depth of talent in the class.
No direct statements were issued by riders or teams during the session, but the lap sheets told their own story – Carpe’s dominance in the timesheets would have set off alarm bells up and down the pit lane. The palpable tension was palpable as team mechanics and rival riders focused on telemetry, searching for that elusive edge that could close the gap before qualifying. Even seasoned observers were astounded by the sheer pace of the performance, which is testament to both the technical prowess of the KTM machines and the tireless determination of these teenage gladiators.
Looking ahead, all eyes are now on FP2 and the looming prospects of qualifying. Will Carpe maintain its firm grip on the top, or could Almansa and Quiles make a comeback? With the weather always a wildcard in Assen and the championship picture beginning to sharpen, Friday’s heroics may just be the opening act in a weekend destined for high drama. For now, one thing is certain: the 2026 Moto3 Dutch Grand Prix has exploded into life, and the pursuit of glory has never been more intense.
