Aron Canet (Fantic Racing) delivered a masterful performance to claim a stunning victory at the Motul Solidarity Grand Prix of Barcelona, edging out Manuel Gonzalez (Gresini Moto2™) by just 0.091 seconds in a nail-biting finish.
The dramatic finale saw Diogo Moreira (Italtrans Racing) secure his maiden podium in Moto2™, marking him as the 2024 Rookie of the Year and the first Brazilian on an intermediate-class podium since 1973.
The race began with Gonzalez seizing the holeshot and establishing an early lead. Ai Ogura (MT Helmets – MSI) and polesitter Canet, however, faced contrasting starts. While Gonzalez surged ahead, Canet fell back to 10th, setting the stage for an uphill battle. Despite the initial setback, Canet worked his way back into contention by Lap 2.
Early incidents added to the drama, with Jake Dixon (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team) running wide and later tangling with Jorge Navarro (OnlyFans American Racing Team) at Turn 5. Collisions at Turn 1 on Lap 2 saw Zonta van den Goorbergh and Celestino Vietti retire, further shaking up the field.
Gonzalez controlled the opening laps, carving out a slim lead over Canet. Meanwhile, Fermin Aldeguer (Sync SpeedUp) served a Long Lap penalty from the Thai GP, falling to 13th but beginning a spirited charge back into the top 10.
Canet’s pivotal moment came on Lap 4 when he launched a decisive move on Gonzalez, sparking a fierce duel for the lead. Ogura, the 2024 Moto2™ World Champion, held third and fended off a relentless challenge from Moreira.
The closing stages were a showcase of racing excellence. Gonzalez, maintaining blistering pace, closed in on Canet, while Moreira engaged in a breathtaking duel with Ogura. On the final lap, Moreira made his move for third at Turn 1 and defended it brilliantly.
At the front, Gonzalez pushed Canet to the limit, but the Fantic Racing rider’s defensive mastery ensured a hard-fought victory. The pair crossed the line separated by just 0.091 seconds.
The final podium spot was hotly contested, with Moreira narrowly holding off Ogura, who missed out on a farewell podium in his last Moto2™ race before stepping up to MotoGP™.
Behind the leaders, Filip Salac (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) took fifth, while Sergio Garcia capped a solid day for MT Helmets – MSI in sixth. Rookie Izan Guevara and Albert Arenas finished seventh and eighth, respectively.
Aldeguer and teammate Alonso Lopez rounded out the top 10, showcasing Sync SpeedUp’s resilience and setting their sights on a competitive 2025 campaign.
The 2024 Moto2™ season concludes with Ai Ogura crowned champion after a stellar campaign. As the championship gears up for 2025, the stage is set for new rivalries and breakthroughs. With rising stars like Canet, Gonzalez, and Moreira leading the charge, the future of Moto2™ promises high-octane excitement.
Top 10 Finishers:
- Aron Canet (Fantic Racing)
- Manuel Gonzalez (Gresini Moto2™) +0.091
- Diogo Moreira (Italtrans Racing Team) +1.124
- Ai Ogura (MT Helmets – MSI) +1.167
- Filip Salac (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) +3.450
- Sergio Garcia (MT Helmets – MSI) +4.705
- Izan Guevara (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team) +5.647
- Albert Arenas (Gresini Moto2™) +6.106
- Alonso Lopez (Sync SpeedUp) +7.610
- Fermin Aldeguer (Sync SpeedUp) +7.660
Credit Photo : MotoGP
