MANUEL GONZALEZ RISES BACK TO THE TOP IN MUGELLO MOTO2™ COMEBACK
Manuel Gonzalez delivered a commanding ride at Mugello. He carved his way through from eighth on the grid to take victory and reclaim the Moto2™ championship lead.
In Saturday’s qualifying, it was Brazilian Diogo Moreira stealing the headlines on his Triumph-powered machine. He took back-to-back pole positions and set a new all-time Moto2 lap record of 1m 49.745. Joint championship leader Aron Canet lined up second, with Albert Arenas securing his first front row start of the year in third.
Moreira made a great start from pole to take the holeshot. Last round’s winner Deniz Öncü flew from fifth to second, and Gonzalez launched from eighth into third, while Canet was close behind in fourth. Arenas slipped back initially but was soon making moves toward the front. For the first ten laps, it was anyone’s race. Öncü, Arenas, Gonzalez, Moreira and Canet all took turns at the front. A nine-rider lead group swapped places in a thrilling display — a true showcase of the performance and parity delivered by Triumph’s 765cc triple engines.
Mugello’s 1.1km straight saw four riders break the 300km/h barrier in the race. Izan Guevara clocked the fastest speed at 300.8km/h — further proof of the Triumph engine’s top-end power.
By lap 10, things began to settle as Gonzalez opened a small gap over Arenas. He used the Triumph’s strong mid-range drive and smooth power delivery to pull clear through the fast, flowing sections. The battle for third, however, would go down to the wire. Canet and Moreira were side by side, trading places at every opportunity — and some places where there shouldn’t be the opportunity. This led to a breathtaking battle for the final podium step. By the last lap, home hero Celestino Vietti had caught the duelling riders. Yet, it was Canet who won the battle ahead of Moreira with Vietti right behind them.
Triumph Triple Trophy Shortlist
- Albert Arenas for his first front row start of the year and his second career Moto2 podium in what was his 85th Moto2 start
- Manuel Gonzalez for this brilliant comeback from a difficult few races and great ride from eighth on the grid and retaking the championship lead.
- Aron Canet for an incredible ride with brave moves giving us a thrilling battle in his fight for third.
Words and images courtesy of Triumph Racing Media Site