#AragonGP – MOTO2: Dixon reigns supreme in Aragon as Garcia’s title lead shrinks
It was yet another Moto2™ showstopper at the Gran Premio GoPro de Aragon, with Jake Dixon (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team) judging the Grand Prix to perfection – storming to a second victory of the season. The #96 takes a further 25 points after beating Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team), who claimed his first podium of the season. The Italian had an intense battle for the lead, taking glory ahead of Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo), who had an incredible Aragon GP, becoming the first Turkish rider to finish on the podium in the intermediate class since Kenan Sofuoglu in 2011.
It was a thrilling start and as the lights went out it was polesitter Dixon who claimed the holeshot at the start of an intense Grand Prix. It was tricky conditions at the start with Izan Guevara (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team) and Aron Canet (Fantic Racing) both suffering from crashes on Lap 1. Meanwhile, an intense battle began to form at the front as Arbolino charged into P2 – setting his sights on victory.
Arbolino hit the front at the start of Lap 4, dropping Dixon to second in a seven-bike group at the front before the key move came from Dixon on Lap 6 as he responded – reclaiming the lead. There would soon be drama for Fermin Aldeguer (Sync SpeedUp), who suffered a crash on Lap 7 after contact with Öncü – leaving the #54 with zero points on Sunday.
Further back, MT Helmets – MSI’s Sergio Garcia continued to struggle, battling outside the points in P26. Meanwhile, Ai Ogura (MT Helmets – MSI) was on the verge of points, entering the top 15 at the end of Lap 7. Celestino Vietti (Red Bull KTM Ajo) soon dropped back towards Ogura, after contact with OnlyFans American Racing Team’s Joe Roberts on the entry to Turn 16. Roberts was later handed a Long Lap for the incident, dropping the American to eighth.
Alonso Lopez (Sync SpeedUp) soon entered the podium positions, charging into third with Öncü putting the #21 under pressure behind. It did not take the #53 long to make a move, stealing third and extending Things would soon go from bad to worse for Garcia, receiving a Long Lap before the Championship leader retired from the Grand Prix at the end of Lap 11.
In the closing stages, Dixon set the fastest lap of the race, keeping a consistent gap to Arbolino. The British star did not make a mistake and charged to glory, crossing the line 1.779s ahead of Arbolino. The Italian battled from the second row, taking P2 in front of Moto2™ rookie Öncü, who had an impressive Sunday in Aragon. Further back there was drama for Roberts on the final lap, crashing out of eighth position and bringing a disappointing end to the Grand Prix for the American.
Meanwhile, Lopez missed out on a podium finish by 3.711s but would claim some crucial points after remaining ahead of Manuel Gonzalez (QJMOTOR Gresini Moto2™) at the line. The Spaniard rounded out the top five, beating the MotoGP™ bound Somkiat Chantra (IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia) in sixth. Taking seventh was Marcos Ramirez (OnlyFans American Racing Team) with Ogura recovering to an impressive eighth-place finish after starting from P16. Meanwhile, Darryn Binder (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) and Vietti took the final spots inside the top 10 with Garcia’s title lead down to 12 points.
Very difficult weekend. I never found the feeling with the track and the new asphalt. After a few laps the rear grip dropped a lot and I couldn’t finish the race. I feel very sorry for the team. Fortunately next week is Misano, where we recently had two days of testing and I can’t wait to get on track!
Dennis Foggia – NC
It was a fantastic weekend until the first few laps of the race. I got a good start and up to the fourth lap I was in the leading group and felt very good. Unfortunately, from lap five onwards, the rear tyre had a big drop and there was nothing I could do but try to finish my race without crashing. The track conditions were very variable this weekend and tyre choice was really difficult. However, I am happy with the way we worked and the speed we showed. I can’t wait to go to Misano!
Diogo Moreira – P17
A shame about the crash, but the feelings are good, and I’m eager to have a good race tomorrow and bring some joy to the Preicanos.
Jaume Masia – P19
Click the button below to find out all the images of the #KytCrew during the weekend in Aragon.