DANI HOLGADO VICTORIOUS IN FIRST-EVER TRIUMPH-POWERED BRAZIL MOTO2™ RACE
Dani Holgado has secured victory in the first-ever Brazilian Moto2™ Grand Prix today. His Triumph 765cc triple engine, seen on the Street Triple 765 RS, powered him to glory at the Autódromo Internacional de Goiânia – Ayrton Senna. Indeed, DANI HOLGADO made history in the Brazilian Moto2 Grand Prix.
Following a thrilling Thai opener last time out, the Moto2 World Championship arrived in South America for the first Brazilian Grand Prix since 2004. DANI HOLGADO played a decisive role in this landmark race. It was also the first time in Brazil for the Triumph 765-powered Moto2 class.
With pastures new for everyone, tough conditions on Friday made learning the quirky 2.38-mile circuit a challenge.
Wet weather and damp patches affected the running throughout the weekend. As a result, there was a mixed order for Saturday’s qualifying sessions.
Following a dry free practice two, there was a lengthy delay on Saturday afternoon due to track conditions. This forced Moto2’s qualifying to instead take place on Sunday morning. Therefore, there was a bumper Sunday of Triumph action ahead.
In qualifying it was Holgado who soared to pole position ahead of teammate David Alonso. KLINT Racing Team’s Álex Escrig rounded up the front row. Lining up on the grid for the 26-lap race, Escrig was fastest out the blocks and led the pack into turn one. In addition, a quick-starting Daniel Muñoz, who incredibly launched from 11th to second, slotted in behind him. Polesitter Holgado was third.
Eager to hit the front, Muñoz passed Escrig and was quickly followed by Holgado. He then took the lead from his fellow Spaniard by the end of lap three. From there, Holgado looked to have it under control in the extreme Brazilian heat. He managed the gap over Muñoz and Escrig.
Meanwhile, attention shifted to the fight for fourth with Manuel Gonzalez muscling his way back through after relinquishing positions at the start.
Locked in battle with Alonso, the Thai victor began to edge away from the Colombian. He began to close the gap on the podium trio.
As the laps ticked away, Muñoz upped his pace and closed the gap to Holgado before making his move at turn nine with three laps to go. A quick response from Holgado on lap 25 saw him reclaim the top spot. DANI HOLGADO then maintained the advantage over the Italtrans Racing Team rider until the chequered flag. Muñoz secured second place. Gonzalez beat Escrig to third place on the final lap.
Holgado’s victory elevates him to the lead of the Moto2 World Championship. Gonzalez and Muñoz round out the top three. Clearly, DANI HOLGADO is now at the forefront of this season’s championship.
The Triumph-powered Moto2 grid will now travel to America for the third round of the season. This will take place at the Circuit of the Americas next weekend (27-29 March).
Triumph Triple Trophy Shortlist
Dani Holgado – for withstanding the pressure of Muñoz and a late response when his lead was threatened
Daniel Muñoz – Keeping Holgado under pressure for the entire race, briefly taking the lead before settling for second, and a first podium since Catalunya 2025
Álex Escrig – Fast all weekend and put a solid race together, running inside the top three before relinquishing third on the final lap
Next round:
Round 3, Circuit of the Americas, USA, 27-29 March 2026