Kristian Daniel Jr. Scores Top-10 Finish In Moto3 Junior World Championship Debut At Barcelona

May 24th, 2026 – Barcelona, Spain

Teenage American rider Kristian Daniel Jr. delivered an impressive learning performance during his substitute appearance with the American Talent Team – MLAV Racing in the opening round of the FIM JuniorGP World Championship at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya this past weekend.

Stepping in at the last minute to replace injured rider Evan Belford, Daniel faced a steep learning curve aboard the Honda Moto3 machine while adapting to a new team, motorcycle, and championship environment over the course of a single weekend.

Daniel finished Race One in 27th position after stalling the motorcycle on the starting grid due to confusion between the launch procedure used in the JuniorGP paddock and the one he is accustomed to in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup.

Despite losing touch with the main field early, the young rider continued using every lap as a learning opportunity.

“Race 1, my regular start procedure that I’m used to with the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup bike unfortunately confused me at the starting moment, and I stalled the bike on the grid,” Daniel explained. “I still used all the laps that I could to keep learning and adapt even when I was riding completely alone.”

The second race showed major progress. After reviewing data and making setup and procedural adjustments with the team, Daniel was able to battle inside the lead group and steadily improve throughout the race distance.

He crossed the line in 10th position after what he described as a race-long process of experimentation and adaptation aboard the Honda package.

“Race 2 went much better because I was able to fight a bit in the front group,” Daniel said. “I was learning and adapting that whole race, trial and error, understanding the weak and strong points of the Honda in a group battle, so naturally I was at my best at the end of the race and feeling very comfortable, finishing P10 and hungry for more.”

Daniel also expressed appreciation to the American Talent Team – MLAV Racing crew for helping make the substitute opportunity possible on short notice.

“I want to give all my gratitude to the team and everyone who helped set this last-minute opportunity and decision for me to substitute Evan Belford,” he said. “I am so glad I learned so much with the team.”

With the Barcelona weekend complete, Daniel now shifts focus back to his Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup campaign and the upcoming round at Mugello Circuit.