While the MotoGP and Moto3 titles have already been decided, the final two rounds of the Moto2 season are far from uninteresting! On the contrary, the battle between Manuel Gonzalez and Diogo Moreira for the world title has never been so intense. Heading into Portugal, the Brazilian leads the overall standings, nine points ahead of his closest rival: he therefore has his first opportunity to clinch the world crown. To do so, he must leave Portimao with a 26-point advantage over his opponent. Thirty-five points behind the leader, Barry Baltus should not be ruled out either. The Belgian could spring a surprise if his rivals underperform and remain in contention for the title in the final round of the championship in Valencia.
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Moto2™ Portimao, Portugal |
2024 |
2025 |
| FP1 | 1'44.900 Manuel Gonzalez | 1'41.460 Aron Canet |
| Practice | 1'42.362 Alonso Lopez | |
| FP2 | 1'41.716 Manuel Gonzalez | |
| Q1 | 1'42.064 Somkiat Chantra | |
| Q2 | 1'41.514 Manuel Gonzalez | |
| Course | Canet, Roberts, Gonzalez (See here) | |
| All time lap record | 1'41.514 Manuel Gonzalez 2024 |
After the pit lane opened, Aron Canet was the first to set the fastest time. The Spaniard riding for Fantic posted a time of 1:42.321 right out of the gate, claiming the top spot on the timesheets ahead of Tony Arbolino and Jake Dixon. The championship leaders also started the session well. Manuel Gonzalez and Diogo Moreira completed the provisional top five.
There were few changes to the timesheets after that. However, with ten minutes remaining, Jake Dixon shook things up, setting a new fastest time of 1:41.623, ahead of the two championship leaders, who also improved. The final sprint was on, with Aron Canet and Celestino Vietti also improving their personal best times, but not enough to dislodge the Briton from first place.
With five minutes remaining, a crash by Collin Veijer at turn 4 slightly slowed the drivers' momentum. This didn't prevent Aron Canet from seizing the benchmark on his next attempt. He clocked a time of 1:41.460, setting a new track record.
At the checkered flag, no one dislodged Aron Canet from his position. Jake Dixon and Senna Agius completed the top three. Diogo Moreira and Manuel Gonzalez finished fifth and eighth respectively in Moto2 FP1 in Portugal, while Barry Baltus finished tenth in the session.
Moto2 Portugal – FP1 standings:
Ranking : MotoGP.com
