Image: Supplied.

P3 on the Moto3 podium for LevelUp-MTA’s Joel Kelso at Jerez has left the Australian contender feeling there was more on the table, describing the result as ‘hard to accept’ despite also climbing to third in the world championship standings.

Kelso was in the mix from the outset of the Spanish race weekend, posting the fourth-quickest time in FP1, before improving to P2 in the second practice session of the weekend and earning entry into Q2 on a circuit that he doesn’t particularly enjoy.

That form would continue into qualifying, with the number 66 claiming the second-fastest time and setting up for a promising race. After landing his second podium for the season – and climbing to third in points – the 21-year-old felt more was possible.

“It’s hard to accept third place because maybe second was in reach today,” commented Kelso post-race. “I stayed close to [Jose] Rueda, but his pace was incredible – I tried to push, but it was too risky and better to secure another podium.

“Still, it’s our second podium of the season, on a track where I have always struggled in the past, we made big improvements. Now we look forward to Le Mans with confidence, a circuit which I really enjoy.”

Despite a challenging start to his 2025 campaign with a fall at the opening round, followed by dual long-lap penalties at round two, Kelso has been in fine form since, which sees him placed third overall as the season heads to France on May 9-11.