Manuel Gonzalez (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) is on a roll. After clinching victory in Jerez, the Spaniard backed it up with another commanding performance at the Michelin Grand Prix of France, holding off a relentless Barry Baltus (Fantic Racing Lino Sonego) to take top honors at Le Mans.
With this result, Gonzalez extends his lead in the Moto2™ championship standings, putting valuable distance between himself and key rival Aron Canet (Fantic Racing Lino Sonego), who completed the podium in third. Next stop: Silverstone, where the title chase will only intensify.
Early Action: Moreira Seizes the Holeshot
The race roared to life into the Dunlop chicane as Diogo Moreira (Italtrans Racing Team) muscled his Triumph-powered Kalex past polesitter Gonzalez to take the early lead. Both ELF Marc VDS Racing Team riders, Jake Dixon and Filip Salač, capitalized on strong starts to slot into P3 and P4, adding to the early shake-up.
Barry Baltus, starting from the front row, fell back to fifth in the shuffle, while teammate Canet had an even tougher opening, slipping to P10 from the second row.
Gonzalez Hits the Front, Baltus Closes In
On Lap 4, Gonzalez made his move—slicing through at Turn 9 to reclaim the lead. At the same time, Baltus was on a charge, climbing to third with a smooth, calculated ride. He quickly closed in on Moreira and dispatched the Brazilian at the start of Lap 8, setting up what would become the race-long duel with Gonzalez.
Meanwhile, Canet wasn’t done yet. The #44 was showing determination and poise, and by Lap 12, he was back in P4 after a slick overtake on Dixon at Turn 3.
Canet’s Close Call and Lost Ground
Just as Canet looked poised to challenge for the front, he suffered a heart-stopping moment out of Turn 4. While dicing with Moreira, he was thrown violently up from the seat but somehow managed to stay aboard. The save was spectacular—but costly. He lost momentum and track position, slipping back behind both Moreira and Dixon.
Gonzalez Finds the Edge in Final Laps
As the race entered its final five-lap sprint, Gonzalez began to open a small but meaningful gap. For the first time, Baltus found himself more than half a second adrift. Though he clawed it back slightly to within 0.4s, Gonzalez had just enough pace in reserve.
In the closing laps, the Spaniard remained composed, fending off Baltus’ final efforts and crossing the line 1.8 seconds ahead—sealing a hard-earned second straight win.
Baltus, while disappointed to miss the top step, still finished a comfortable 4.3 seconds ahead of the scrap for third.
Canet Wins the Battle for the Final Podium Spot
Despite his earlier scare, Canet recovered superbly to win the battle for P3, edging out a feisty Moreira and Dixon, who finished fourth and fifth respectively.
Behind them, Albert Arenas (ITALJET Gresini Moto2) claimed sixth, just 0.6s ahead of Salač. Celestino Vietti (Folladore SpeedRS Team) took eighth, followed closely by standout rookie Ivan Ortola (QJMOTOR – FRINSA – MSI) in ninth—a stellar ride from the Moto2 newcomer. Alonso Lopez (Folladore SpeedRS Racing) rounded out the top ten.
Points and Penalties: Alonso Fights Back
After serving a Long Lap Penalty, David Alonso (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team) managed to recover and finish 11th. Joe Roberts (OnlyFans American Racing Team) came home in 12th, followed by Sergio Garcia (QJMOTOR – FRINSA – MSI), Senna Agius (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP), and the final point scorer Marcos Ramirez (OnlyFans American Racing Team).
On to Silverstone
Gonzalez heads to Silverstone with momentum and confidence, having proven he can lead from the front and withstand pressure from the chasing pack. Baltus showed he has the pace to challenge, while Canet’s resilience continues to keep him in the hunt.
With the British Grand Prix just around the corner, the stage is set for another fierce showdown in what’s shaping up to be an electrifying Moto2™ season.
Official MotoGP Press Release
