Manuel Gonzalez Takes Charge to Win Triumph‑Powered Moto2 Battle
Manuel Gonzalez stormed to victory in today’s Catalan Grand Prix, clinching the win from pole-sitter Celestino Vietti in the closing stages of what was a thrilling Triumph Powered Moto2™ race.
Vietti made a strong start from pole position as the race got underway and held the lead on the run into turn one, despite a challenge behind from Gonzalez. From there, the SpeedRS Team rider didn’t look back, leading every lap over the chasing Gonzalez and Ivan Ortola who had worked his way up to third.
But as the leading three broke away, focus quickly turned to the battle for fourth as David Alonso and Alonso Lopez fought hard with French Grand Prix victor Izan Guevara, who had the two Aspar machines for company also. Just behind, a hard-charging Senna Agius muscled his way through to sixth place and set his sights on Dani Holgado ahead.
With the top three positions remaining unchanged at the half way stage, the battle for sixth raged on with the group swapping positions throughout. Tracking down his teammate ahead, Alonso moved into sixth position leaving Filip Salac, Aguis and Lopez deep in battle behind.
Meanwhile, while things were hotting up for the mid-pack riders, the front group was full of action with Izan Guevara back in podium contention having passed Ivan Ortola for third place. But all eyes were on the front two as Gonzalez had tracked down Vietti and was closing in.
As the race reached its final stages, Gonzalez ramped up the pressure on Vietti making a clean pass with just three laps to go. Slightly stretching out his lead over his rival, a home victory was looking on the cards for Gonzalez, but it was clear that Vietti wasn’t going to give up just yet.
As both riders harnessed the power of their Street Triple 765 RS engines, the Italian held strong stalking Gonzalez and making up time on the brakes. However, Gonzalez had the advantage and crossed the line to take his second win of the season, increasing his championship lead by 18.5 points. Vietti finished second with Guevara claiming the final podium spot.
Further down the field it was Ortola in fourth, with Holgado and Alonso holding their positions from before. Salac won the battle for seventh ahead of Lopez, with Luca Lunetta relegating Agius to 10th place.
The next round of the Moto2 World Championship takes place in a few weeks time on 29-31 May at the iconic Mugello circuit in Italy.
Triumph Triple Trophy Shortlist:
- Celestino Vietti - fastest in Friday’s practice and claimed pole position. Led the majority of the race before being pipped in the closing stages by Gonzalez
- Manuel Gonzalez - challenging Vietti throughout the race, passing him in the closing stages and holding off his challenges to claim the race win
- Izan Guevara - Battling through the field to secure a strong podium result.
Next Race: Italian Grand Prix, Mugello, 29-31 May
