Image: Supplied.

CIP Green Power’s Joel Kelso was forced to take evasive action on the first lap of the Moto3 World Championship race at Aragon, costing him precious time in a crucial stage of the 19-lap outing.

Kelso opened round 15 in fine form, leading throughout FP1 to ultimately finish the session in P4, just 0.352 from pace-setter Ayumu Sasaki.

Saturday was more challenging for the KTM rider, who was unable to land a spot in Q2 and qualified 22nd. During the opening lap of the race, Ryusei Yamanaka fell at turn 13 and Kelso had to run off-line to avoid him. The Australian chased down the group ahead afterwards and completed the bout 21st.

“We started Friday in a positive way and we made good progress with the bike,” Kelso explained. “I was feeling pretty good. But it got worse from there. Qualifying was difficult. Doing the laps by myself was not easy. But the race was pretty positive.

“On the opening lap, we avoided a crash, but I had to avoid a rider. I lost a few seconds. Finally, I caught up with the second group. I set good times. But, once I reached the group, I couldn’t progress anymore. We are looking forward to Japan.

Five races remain in Kelso’s rookie Moto3 World Championship campaign, with the Japanese GP at Motegi commencing this Friday. His future for next year is already confirmed as he will join CFMOTO Racing and remain in the lightweight class.