The polesitter for Round 3 of the campaign was Gun Mie and the Japan star made a great start, as did Carter Thompson from the spearhead of the second row. However, down at Turn 11 in the early stages, the two made contact. Mie swept across late on the brakes when defending the lead from Thompson, and the latter crashed out – thankfully unhurt. The contact was judged to have been Mie’s fault as he moved over, meaning a Long Lap penalty was handed to the double 2022 podium finisher and the race was on to move forward again.