Alvaro Carpe of Red Bull KTM Ajo successfully claimed the fastest time during the first free practice session (FP1) of the 2026 Moto3 French Grand Prix at the Le Mans circuit. The Spanish rider locked in the top spot with a time of 1 minute 41.818 seconds, narrowly edging out David Almansa and Adrian Fernandez, who finished second and third respectively. This initial result underscores a strong early-session dominance by the KTM camp on the highly technical Bugatti layout.
The dominance of the KTM machinery was starkly evident, with four of the top five positions occupied by KTM riders. Carpe's advantage suggests that the current chassis configuration and engine mapping are exceptionally well-suited for the stop-and-go nature of Le Mans. The ability of the KTM bike to deliver maximum traction upon exit from the tight, slow corners of the circuit proved to be the deciding factor, allowing Carpe to maintain a superior pace compared to his rivals who struggled with rear-end stability.
Meanwhile, Indonesian prodigy Veda Ega Pratama delivered a promising performance by securing 11th position. Representing Honda Team Asia, Veda finished 0.635 seconds behind the pace setter. Breaking into the top 11 during a debut session at a circuit as demanding as Le Mans is a significant positive indicator. It demonstrates that the young rider is quickly adapting to the behavior of the Honda machinery on surfaces with varying grip levels, which is critical for his progression in the 2026 campaign.
From a technical standpoint, Veda's current challenge lies in optimizing corner speed and braking stability. Le Mans requires heavy braking and precise turn-ins, which often trigger understeer if the chassis balance is not perfectly tuned. The gap of less than one second to the top suggests that Veda possesses the raw pace to break into the top ten, provided the technical crew can refine the front-end response and improve the transition from braking to apex, reducing the time spent in the mid-corner phase.
A comparison between the Honda and KTM platforms in this session reveals a clear difference in power delivery and chassis agility. The Honda used by Veda appears more stable in high-speed transitions, yet it lacks the explosive acceleration out of slow bends that the KTMs are currently exhibiting. To close this gap, the focus will be on adjusting the electronic maps to provide a more aggressive drive out of the corners without compromising the rear tire's longevity over a full lap.
The variable track conditions at Le Mans also remain a crucial factor. Sudden shifts in temperature and grip can drastically alter the bike's behavior, particularly for young riders still calibrating their feel for the limit. Veda's ability to stay within the top 11 indicates a solid baseline, but the unpredictable nature of the Bugatti circuit means that consistency in tire temperature management will be the key to elevating his position in the upcoming qualifying sessions.
Looking ahead, the priority for Honda Team Asia will be to mature the vehicle's setup to ensure it is more adaptive to the circuit's unique characteristics. With the field remarkably tight at the front, every millisecond counts. Veda's 11th-place finish provides a strong foundation of confidence, but optimizing the aerodynamic balance and traction control will be essential if he intends to challenge the Spanish dominance and the KTM hegemony this weekend.
| POS | FOTO | RIDER / TEAM | TIME / GAP | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 |  | Alvaro CarpeRed Bull KTM Ajo | 1:41.252s Spanyol | 0 |
2 |  | David AlmansaLiqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP | 1:41.311s Spanyol | 0 |
3 |  | Adrian FernandezLeopard Racing | 1:41.547s Spanyol | 0 |
4 |  | David MuñozLiqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP | 1:41.587s Spanyol | 0 |
5 |  | Matteo BertelleLEVEL UP MTA | 1:41.591s Italia | 0 |
6 |  | Joel KelsoGRYD MLav Racing | 1:41.615s Australia | 0 |
7 |  | Hakim DanishAEON Credit MT Helmets MSI | 1:41.723s Malaysia | 0 |
8 |  | Maximo QuilesCFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team | 1:41.752s Spanyol | 0 |
9 |  | Marco MorelliCFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team | 1:41.770s Argentina | 0 |
10 |  | Brian UriarteRed Bull KTM Ajo | 1:41.791s Spanyol | 0 |
11 |  | Veda PratamaHonda Team Asia | 1:41.887s Indonesia | 0 |
12 |  | Scott OgdenCIP Green Power | 1:41.893s Britania Raya | 0 |
13 |  | Adrian CrucesCIP Green Power | 1:41.923s Spanyol | 0 |
14 |  | Casey O'GormanSIC58 Squadra Corse | 1:41.976s Irlandia | 0 |
15 |  | Joel EstebanLEVEL UP MTA | 1:42.011s Spanyol | 0 |
16 |  | Valentin PerroneRed Bull KTM Tech3 | 1:42.020s Argentina | 0 |
17 |  | Guido PiniLeopard Racing | 1:42.049s Italia | 0 |
18 |  | Rico SalmelaRed Bull KTM Tech3 | 1:42.337s Finlandia | 0 |
19 |  | Ryusei YamanakaAEON Credit MT Helmets MSI | 1:42.528s Jepang | 0 |
20 |  | Cormac BuchananCODE Motorsports | 1:42.529s Selandia Baru | 0 |
21 |  | Eddie O'SheaGRYD MLav Racing | 1:42.592s Britania Raya | 0 |
22 | | Ruche MoodleyCODE Motorsports | 1:42.755s Afrika Selatan | 0 |
23 |  | Nicola CarraroRivacold Snipers Team | 1:42.930s Italia | 0 |
24 |  | Jesus RiosRivacold Snipers Team | 1:43.192s Spanyol | 0 |
25 | | Leo RammerstorferSIC58 Squadra Corse | 1:43.488s Austria | 0 |
26 |  | Zen MitaniHonda Team Asia | 1:43.509s Jepang | 0 |
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