Canet Holds Off Öncü as Gonzalez Grabs Third, Dixon Crashes Out in Doha

Canet’s Comeback Charge Seals First Win of the Season and Moto2 Championship Lead in Qatar

If there was ever a moment to label a race win the best of Aron Canet’s career, this was it. The Fantic Racing rider delivered an unforgettable performance under the lights of Lusail, charging from deep in the pack to claim his first victory of the 2024 season—and with it, the Moto2 World Championship lead.

Joining him on the podium were Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo) and Manuel Gonzalez (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP), while recent winners Jake Dixon (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) and Sergio Garcia faced contrasting fortunes, with Dixon crashing out and Garcia finishing outside the points.

Explosive Start—But Disaster for Canet

The drama began right off the line. From pole position, Gonzalez made a textbook launch, while Dixon also surged forward from the middle of the front row. But it all went wrong for Canet. A huge wheelie off the start meant he was swallowed by the pack, dropping from third on the grid all the way down to 14th by the end of the opening lap.

Meanwhile, Daniel Holgado (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team) was flying. The rookie rocketed into third on the first lap, then quickly picked off Dixon to move into second by Lap 2. That triggered a reshuffle in the lead group as Öncü and Albert Arenas (ITALJET Gresini Moto2) also swept past Dixon, who began to struggle with pace. By Lap 4, Öncü led the way from Holgado and Arenas, while Gonzalez slipped to fourth and Dixon was clinging onto fifth.

Canet Begins the Climb

While the front group jostled for position, Canet began to put on a masterclass in damage control. By Lap 7, he was already back up to fifth, slicing through the field with determination and precision. Gonzalez was the next to fall to the charge of the #44, and the comeback was fully underway.

Öncü remained in control at the front, but the top seven riders were still bunched together with nothing settled. Canet moved into second with eight laps to go, just as teammate Barry Baltus set the fastest lap to tag onto the back of the lead train.

Then came the turning point.

Dixon’s Championship Hopes Take a Hit

Trying to recover lost ground, Dixon pushed hard to stay in the mix. But at Turn 13, the British rider made a costly mistake. He lost the front and crashed out—his second win in a row erased in an instant, and with it, his Championship lead. It was a brutal blow for the ELF Marc VDS rider, who looked poised to consolidate his early-season success.

Canet Hits the Front—and Stays There

Öncü had held strong up front, but a minor error gave Canet the opening he needed. With five laps to go, the Fantic Racing rider swept into the lead for the first time—and never looked back. From that point on, Canet began to stretch his advantage, executing a flawless final stint.

Heading into the final lap, Canet held a comfortable 1.1-second buffer over Öncü, who was now focused on defending second from a determined Gonzalez. The order held firm across the line: Canet first, Öncü second, and Gonzalez rounding out the podium.

For Canet, it was more than just a race win. It was a statement.

Holgado Impresses, Moreira and Baltus Battle for Fifth

Just missing out on the podium was rookie sensation Daniel Holgado, who continued to impress with a composed and consistent ride to fourth, finishing 2.7 seconds behind Gonzalez. Diogo Moreira (Italtrans Racing Team) edged out Baltus in the fight for fifth, while Celestino Vietti (Team HDR Heidrun) emerged as the top Boscoscuro rider in seventh.

Marcos Ramirez (American Racing Team) followed in eighth, with Arenas and Filip Salač (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) completing the top ten.

Points Scorers and Notable Efforts

2024 Moto3 World Champion David Alonso (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team) showed solid form with a points-scoring P11, followed by Zonta van den Goorbergh (RW-Idrofoglia Racing GP) in 12th. Collin Veijer (Red Bull KTM Ajo) came home 13th, while Senna Agius (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) salvaged 14th despite a jump start penalty and two Long Lap Penalties.

Rounding out the points was Joe Roberts (American Racing Team) in 15th, who continues to quietly pick up valuable results.

Looking Ahead: A New Leader Emerges

It was a night to remember for Aron Canet. From a near-catastrophic start to a dominant finish, the Spaniard now heads to Jerez not only as a race winner, but as the new Moto2 World Championship leader.

Round 5 at the iconic Circuito de Jerez–Angel Nieto is next—and with the title fight heating up, it promises to be another blockbuster.

Stay tuned for all the action.

Official MotoGP Press Release