Image: Supplied.

The potential of Australia’s Joel Kelso was on display once more at Assen as he lined up second on the grid, but the CFMOTO Racing PruestelGP rider leaves the eighth round of the 2023 Moto3 World Championship hungry for more after taking the chequered flag in ninth position on Sunday.

Marking his third front-row performance of the season and an equal-best qualifying result, Kelso fired in the second-fastest lap during Q2 to secure his spot in the middle of the front row.

The number 66 led across the line on the opening lap and featured in the top three throughout the early stages. Kelso was shuffled back in the laps that followed but fought to stay in the leading group throughout the encounter, ultimately finishing the 20-lap race just 1.341s from victory.

“We are almost there!” stated Kelso. “I’m hungrier than ever to chase down that podium, but no complaints going into the summer break with a top ten finish. I’ll be working hard over the break to come back stronger.”

The Assen race result equals Kelso’s best of the 2023 season as the series heads into the European summer break, with action set to continue at Silverstone between 4-6 August.