Dixon Unstoppable in Austin as Gonzalez’s Gamble Backfires

A Perfect Weekend for Dixon

Jake Dixon (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) delivered a masterclass at the Red Bull Grand Prix of The Americas, completing a flawless weekend with victory in a rain-affected Moto2™ race. Fastest on Friday, securing pole position on Saturday, and dominant on Sunday, the Brit was simply untouchable. Dixon mastered the mixed conditions to finish 4.1 seconds clear of Tony Arbolino (BLUCRU Pramac Yamaha Moto2), while Alonso Lopez (Team HDR Heidrun) secured the final podium spot in third.

Meanwhile, a risky slick-tyre strategy from Manuel Gonzalez (Liqui Moly Dinavolt Intact GP) backfired dramatically. The former championship leader struggled throughout the race and left Austin empty-handed, relinquishing his position at the top of the standings.

Weather Adds Chaos as Gonzalez Rolls the Dice

As the Moto3™ race wrapped up, the skies over COTA decided to intervene, sprinkling light rain onto the track and throwing pre-race strategy into turmoil. With conditions unpredictable, riders were faced with a crucial decision—stick with wet tyres or gamble on slicks.

Gonzalez, leading the World Championship heading into the race, was among those who took the risk with slicks. On the other hand, Dixon, fresh off his victory in Argentina, opted for wet tyres along with the majority of the grid.

That choice proved to be decisive. Within a few laps, Gonzalez and other slick-shod riders, including his teammate Senna Agius and Diogo Moreira (Italtrans Racing Team), were struggling just to stay upright. By Lap 8, Dixon had lapped all three, highlighting just how costly the gamble had been.

Dixon in a League of His Own

By the time the race entered its final five laps, Dixon had built a commanding six-second lead over Arbolino, with Lopez trailing the Italian by another four seconds. While Arbolino briefly managed to reduce the gap to 5.2 seconds on the penultimate lap, Dixon responded immediately, stretching it back to 5.5 seconds heading into the final tour.

Behind them, Celestino Vietti (Team HDR Heidrun) was locked in a battle for the final podium position with his teammate Lopez, but his race unraveled in dramatic fashion. Vietti crashed at Turn 12, quickly remounted, only to go down again at Turn 13, bringing his hopes of scoring points to a crushing end.

At the front, Dixon remained unbothered. Showcasing his skill in mixed conditions, he cruised across the line to take back-to-back Moto2 victories, reclaiming the championship lead in the process.

Podium Celebrations & Standout Performances

Arbolino took a well-earned second place, marking his first podium of the season, while Lopez ensured a double podium for Boscoscuro machinery by securing third.

Just behind them, Aron Canet (Fantic Racing LINO SONEGO) secured a valuable P4 finish, while Izan Guevara (BLUCRU Pramac Yamaha Moto2) produced one of the rides of the day. Starting from a lowly P26 on the grid, the Spaniard charged through the pack to claim P5—a stunning performance.

Top rookie honors went to Ivan Ortola (QJMOTOR – FRINSA – MSI), who achieved his best Moto2™ result to date in sixth place. Behind him, Barry Baltus (Fantic Racing LINO SONEGO) fought through injury to finish seventh, with Daniel Holgado (CFMOTO Power Electronics Aspar Team) in eighth.

A breakthrough ride from Mario Aji (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) saw him claim ninth, his best Grand Prix finish ever. Collin Veijer (Red Bull KTM Ajo) rounded out the top ten, also delivering his strongest Moto2 performance to date.

Rest of the Points Finishers

Marcos Ramirez (OnlyFans American Racing) gave the home fans something to cheer about with an 11th-place finish, ensuring his American-based team left Austin with points.

Oscar Gutierrez (QJMOTOR – FRINSA – MSI), standing in for Sergio Garcia, claimed his first-ever Moto2™ top-15 finish in P12. Zonta van den Goorbergh (RW-Idrofoglia Racing GP) followed closely in 13th.

Reigning Moto3™ World Champion David Alonso (CFMOTO Power Electronics Aspar Team) continued his steady adaptation to Moto2, securing 14th place. Alex Escrig (KLINT Forward Factory Team) rounded out the points finishers in P15.

However, it was a race to forget for Valentin Perrone (Red Bull KTM Tech3) and Ryusei Yamanaka (FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI), both of whom crashed out while fighting inside the top ten.

Dixon Takes Championship Lead as Focus Shifts to Qatar

Dixon’s Austin dominance means he now leads the Moto2™ World Championship by 13 points over Canet, with Gonzalez slipping to third after his disastrous weekend.

As the paddock heads to Qatar for Round 4, the big question remains—can Dixon maintain his momentum and extend his lead, or will his rivals fight back under the Losail lights? The next chapter of this thrilling championship battle is just around the corner!

Official MotoGP Press Release