#DUTCHGP – MOTO2: OGURA DEFEATS ALDEGUER IN AN ASSEN SHOWDOWN
It was a dramatic Moto2™ race at the Motul TT Assen, with Ai Ogura (MT Helmets – MSI) charging to victory by less than a second. Ogura took his second win of the season and is now on a roll as he beats Fermin Aldeguer (Folladore SpeedUp) to the line. The #54 crossed the line in second after an eventful Grand Prix, where Aldeguer was forced to take a Long Lap after exceeding track limits. Meanwhile, rounding off an excellent weekend for the MT Helmets – MSI squad was Sergio Garcia, who took third position at the line.
As the lights went out to start Triumph’s 100th race powering the Moto2™ class, it was Ogura, who took the advantage and the lead on the entry to Turn 1. However, Ogura’s lead lasted for just five corners when polesitter Aldeguer responded and took the lead for the first time. The first lap was filled with drama at the front with moves made at every opportunity to the delight of the Dutch crowd. Aldeguer set a sensational pace early on, setting the fastest lap and bridging a one second gap between himself and now Garcia, who found his way through on Alonso Lopez (Folladore SpeedUp) and then Ogura for P2.
However, it would be an early end to the race for Zonta van den Goorbergh (RW-Idrofoglia Racing GP), Albert Arenas (QJMOTOR Gresini Moto2™) and Aron Canet (Fantic Racing), who all suffered their own crashes in the opening stages. Ayumu Sasaki crashed with 15 laps remaining to the disappointment of the Yamaha VR46 Master Camp Team. The battle between the two MT Helmets – MSI riders would not end there with Ogura reclaiming P2 on Lap 12 – putting on an excellent show for the Dutch crowd.
But there would be some added tension for Aldeguer, who received a warning for track limits early in the race. This then turned into added drama on Lap 14 when the #54 was handed a Long Lap. Aldeguer eventually took the penalty on Lap 16, dropping back to third with work to go in the remaining seven laps.
The race was officially on with a tense three-way battle for the lead with Ogura leading the way ahead of Aldeguer, who quickly found his way into second ahead of Garcia. The #3 began to lose touch as the battle for victory turned into a two-way duel with two laps remaining. Ogura showed no signs of stopping, putting together a brilliant last lap and crossing the line to take victory at Assen by 0.571s from the recovering Aldeguer.
Garcia held onto third position ahead of Jake Dixon (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team), who completed a super ride after starting from P9 on the grid. The #96 finished ahead of Somkiat Chantra (IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia), who rounded out the top five in the Netherlands after a fantastic battle with Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team). Behind the #14 was Marcos Ramirez, who brought the sole OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex to seventh ahead of Lopez – rounding out the top eight.
Meanwhile, the final positions inside the top 10 went the way of Manuel Gonzalez (QJMOTOR Gresini Moto2™) and Celestino Vietti (Red Bull KTM Ajo) as Senna Agius (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) was dropped one position for exceeding track limits on the last lap.
I’M HAPPY WITH THE WEEKEND, BECAUSE WE MADE STEPS FORWARD, BRINGING HOME POSITIVE RESULTS. IN QUALIFYING WE WERE VERY UNLUCKY, BUT THE TIMES WERE GOOD AND WE WERE RUNNING LIKE THE LEADERS. IN THE RACE, STARTING FROM THE BACK IS NEVER EASY, BUT I FELT GOOD WITH THE BIKE. IN GERMANY WE ARE LOOKING TO DO EVEN MORE. THANK YOU ALL FOR THE EXCELLENT WORK.
DENNIS FOGGIA – P12
WE HAD A GOOD FIRST FEW LAPS, BUT A PROBLEM WITH THE BIKE AFFECTED US THROUGHOUT THE RACE. I WANT TO THANK THE TEAM FOR ALL THEIR EFFORT. I AM EAGER TO FIND THE RIGHT PATH.
DIOGO MOREIRA – P16
ABBIAMO FATTO DEI BUONI PRIMI GIRI, MA UN PROBLEMA ALLA MOTO CI HA CONDIZIONATO PER TUTTA LA GARA. VOGLIO RINGRAZIARE LA SQUADRA PER L’IMPEGNO PROFUSO. SONO ANSIOSO DI TROVARE LA STRADA GIUSTA.
JAUME MASIA – P24
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