Filip Salac’s (Redox PrüstelGP) home Grand Prix ended shortly after Turn 1, the Czech rider sliding out of contention on the opening lap and emerging from the drama in the lead was Raul Fernandez (Sama Qatar Angel Nieto Team), the Spaniard getting the better of Arbolino from 5th on the grid. The latter was joined by teammate Romano Fenati at the front of the race after the Italian had made a great start from 11th on the grid, but the duo had plenty of riders for company including Canet, with Championship leader Dalla Porta slowly making his way to the front from P17 on the grid.

The VNE Snipers duo were exchanging the race leading baton in the early stages and meanwhile, a fellow Italian was making a swift recovery through the field. Antonelli was in the points with 11 to go having taken a second a lap out of the leaders when faced with clear air, the top 17 were split by just 2.5 seconds with 11 laps remaining. With 10 to go Dalla Porta hit the lead for the first time, but the likes of Canet, Arbolino, Jaume Masia (Bester Capital Dubai), Darryn Binder (CIP Green Power) and plenty more swarming – including Antonelli. The SIC58 rider was now well in with a shot at victory as himself, Dalla Porta, Arbolino and Canet all looked like the strongest contenders heading into the final few laps.

The Championship lead was at stake and Dalla Porta looked fairly comfortable at the front. But this is Moto3™, and leading a race with multiple hungry young guns behind is never comfortable. With three laps to go Canet produced a fantastic two-rider pass into Turn 3 to get himself up into the top three as four of the top five in the overall standings stood strong at the front: Dalla Porta, Canet, Arbolino and Antonelli. But who would emerge victorious? The last lap board was signalled and Dalla Porta held firm, but Arbolino got the better of him into Turn 3, with Canet following him through to second having started the last lap in fourth.