Amazing Alonso Triumphs At Balaton Park To Claim Debut Moto2 Win
Fresh from the Austrian Grand Prix last weekend, the Triumph-powered Moto2™ class was back in action this weekend at the brand-new Balaton Park Circuit, as the World Championship returned to Hungary for the first-time in 33 years.
The technical 4,075km track delivered exciting Moto2 sessions across the weekend, which after qualifying saw Diogo Moreira claim his fourth pole position of the year with Zonta Van Den Goorbergh second, Manuel Gonzalez third and Jake Dixon fourth, with just 0.083s separating the top four.
The 22-lap race took place in glorious conditions with an ambient track temperature of 20°, and the temperature with the riders soon increased as the race started, where it was a three-way battle with Dixon, Moreira and Gonzalez with Dixon taking the lead by the first corner.
During the early stages of the race the top three pulled away from the group and it wasn’t long until championship leader Gonzalez was in control of the race, with Moreira close behind and Dixon third. However, coming through the pack and using the power of the Triumph 765cc was rookie David Alonso, who had progressed from eighth to fifth.
Ahead of Alonso was fellow rookie Collin Veijer, who returning from injury, was in the mix and chasing his best Moto2 finish of the season. However Alonso was on the hunt and had his sights set on a podium place, after being cruelly denied last time out in Austria.
Securing the fastest lap of the race on lap 16 (1'40.964), Alonso wasn’t holding back, and after passing Veijer he started to chase down the top three. With three laps remaining he passed Dixon, and on the penultimate lap he passed Moreira and started lining up Gonzalez.
On the last lap the rookie made his move and with his debut Moto2 victory in sight, it was a close affair for the three riders as they made their way through the tight chicanes and on to the home straight. Crossing the line to take his maiden Moto2 victory after a stunning ride was Alonso with Moreira snatching second place from Gonzalez who came home third.
Leading the way in the overall standings Gonzalez has extended his lead over Aron Canet, meanwhile the points are starting to close behind with Moreira third and just 31 points separates the top three (Gonzalez, Canet and Moreira).
The Moto2 field will be head-to-head again in just a few weeks time, when the championship fight heads to the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, for the Grand Prix of Catalonia on 5-7 September.
Triumph Triple Trophy Shortlist:
1. David Alonso - an amazing ride for the rookie to come through from eighth, securing the fastest lap in the closing stages and claiming his debut Moto2 win
2. Collin Veijer - a Moto2 career best finish for the rookie after returning from injury
3. Manuel Gonzalez - controlling most of the race and extending his championship lead over Canet
Look out for Instagram stories on MotoGP’s official account @motogp to vote for your favourite rider and enter the prize draw here, to win your own Triumph Triple Trophy Street Triple 765 RS.
Next round:Round 15, Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Catalonia 5-7 September 2025.
