ÖNCÜ STEALS SENSATIONAL FIRST WIN IN RECORD-BREAKING MOTO2™ THRILLER AT ARAGON
Words and images courtesy of Triumph Racing
In a sun-soaked showdown at MotorLand Aragon, Deniz Öncü snatched a dramatic debut Moto2™ victory by just 0.003s from poleman Diogo Moreira. This was the closest finish in Moto2™ history. Triumph’s 765cc triple powerplant delivered edge-of-the-seat racing from lights to flag, as records tumbled in the Spanish heat.
Öncü, Baltus and Moreira – all 21 years old and all chasing their maiden win – lit up the front in a thrilling Triumph-powered Moto2 race. Moreira got a great start ahead of Öncü and Baltus. It wasn’t long before Öncü hit the front and exchanged places with Baltus and Moreira repeatedly. Each rider made full use of Triumph’s strong top-end performance and seamless torque delivery.
Moreira was on record-breaking pace, setting the fastest race lap with four laps to go. He shattered Sam Lowes’ long-standing Aragon lap record — underlining the speed of the latest Triumph-powered Moto2 machines.
The Brazilian passed Baltus into second and then took the lead. He looked on course for his first Moto2 victory before Öncü fought back. Öncü elbowed back through in a breathtaking photo finish — giving Turkish fans their first-ever Moto2™ race winner.
Barry Baltus took third – his third podium of the season – after leading much of the early stages. Meanwhile, Aussie Senna Agius impressed with a charge from 13th on the grid to finish fourth. Filip Salac rounded out the top five after passing Aron Canet late in the race.
Triumph Triple Trophy Shortlist
- Deniz Öncü – For his incredible pace, first front-row start, and that breathtaking finish.
- Diogo Moreira achieved his first pole position, set the lap record and a stunning second place. He only just missed out on the win in the closest ever Moto2 finish.
- Barry Baltus led much of the race and secured another great podium. He dedicated it to his dad on Father’s Day (in Belgium).
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