Aussie ace Joel Kelso has secured a third season in Moto3 with a switch to the Boé Motorsports team for 2024.
Darwin-born Kelso made his full-time debut in the lightweight class in 2022 with CIP before switching to the CFMoto-backed Prüstel GP team this season, but the team told him earlier this season that he wouldn’t be retained for a second season.
While Kelso has been making progress in his second campaign, he has struggled to convert his qualifying speed into regular points.
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There have been extenuating circumstances. A crash after the flag at the Portuguese Grand Prix left him with a broken ankle, and while he missed only two races, it took him several month to feel like he’d returned to full fitness, signalled by his ninth-place finish at the Dutch TT in June.
Changes to the rules around tyre selection also robbed him of confidence at the front of bike, making it difficult for him to build on his solid rookie season.
Compounding the situation was uncertainty around his career. Competing on the world championship circuit — which will stretch to 22 rounds next season — is expensive, and earlier this year he made his money shortfall public with a call for sponsorship on social media.
But the podium-getting Boé Motorsports team has come to the rescue, signing Kelso alongside David Muñoz for 2024.
“I am very happy to be able to join a great team like Boé Motorsports for another year in Moto3,” Kelso said. “I am very grateful for this opportunity.
“My goal will be to fight at the front and show everyone what we are capable of. I really think we can achieve great results together next year,”
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Team boss José Ángel Gutiérrez Boé said he was impressed with Kelso’s junior achievements and his tenacity in the lightweight class in his two years.
“We think Joel Kelso is a good addition to the team,” he said. “He is a very strong and ambitious rider, and we believe he can do very well in his third season in Moto3.
“Joel has also raced with David in the past, so I think we can have some good battles for the top positions with both our riders in 2024.”
Kelso will replace Ana Carrasco after her fifth season in Moto3.
“I want to thank Ana Carrasco for her work and tenacity during the two years with us,” Boé said. “It has been a pleasure to work with her and I wish her the best of luck for the future.”
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