GONZALEZ HOLDS OFF BALTUS IN GRIPPING MOTO2™ FRENCH GRAND PRIX
Words and images courtesy of Triumph Racing
- Manuel Gonzalez shone at Le Mans with the perfect weekend. He achieved an all-time lap record, pole position, and his third win of the 2025 season.
- Barry Baltus matched his best-ever qualifying performance with second on the grid. He delivered a sensational ride to finish just behind Gonzalez, while teammate Aron Canet completed the podium with a hard-fought third.
Under blue skies and in front of an all-time record crowd of 311,797 fans, the 2025 Grand Prix of France served up an electrifying race. Triumph’s 765cc triple engine once again underlined its status as the heartbeat of Moto2™ — delivering record breaking pace at Le Mans’ tight, technical layout.
In Saturday’s qualifying, Gonzalez continued his championship-leading form by claiming his fifth pole in six races. Baltus lined up alongside him in second, while Diogo Moreira secured his first front-row start of the season.
Sunday’s race began with the threat of rain, but conditions stayed dry for the Triumph-powered intermediate class.
Moreira took the holeshot. However, Gonzalez reclaimed the lead on lap four. Despite a difficult start, Baltus surged his number 7 forward, using the strong, usable torque of the Triumph triple to power past rivals and lock onto the rear wheel of Gonzalez.
The front two quickly broke clear, trading fastest laps. They became the first riders to break into the 1:34s in a Moto2 race. Baltus ultimately set a new race lap record of 1m 34.941, showcasing the performance edge Triumph’s engine delivers.
Try as he might, Baltus couldn’t find a way past the faultless Gonzalez, who rode with precision to the chequered flag. Behind them, a fierce five-way scrap unfolded for third. Canet prevailed, climbing from mid-pack and making decisive moves to edge out Moreira and Jake Dixon for the final podium place.
The French GP wasn’t just record-breaking on track — it also became the first MotoGP event in history to welcome over 300,000 fans across the weekend. This achievement highlighted the championship’s growing global appeal.
Triumph Triple Trophy Shortlist
- Manuel Gonzalez for his perfect weekend. He set a new all-time lap record, secured his fifth pole in six races, and claimed an impressive third victory of the season.
- Barry Baltus who equaled his best-ever qualifying result. Despite slipping back at the start, he delivered a spectacular ride to reel in Gonzalez and challenge for the win.
- Aron Canet found himself in 10th but pulled off a stunning comeback to reach the rostrum. He also executed an incredible save after an intense scrap with Moreira.
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