Moreira Edges Out Canet for First-Ever Moto2 Victory – A Landmark Win for Brazil

Diogo Moreira has made history. In a nail-biting showdown at the TT Circuit Assen, the young Brazilian rider claimed his maiden Moto2™ win — and in doing so, delivered Brazil’s first-ever victory in the intermediate class. The Italtrans Racing Team rookie edged out rival Aron Canet (Fantic Racing Lino Sonego) by just 0.056 seconds, following an intense head-to-head battle that lasted nearly the entire race distance.

This wasn’t the first time the two had traded blows. After their podium tussle at Mugello, tensions were already high heading into Assen. But with championship implications growing by the race, the stakes felt even higher this time around. And Moreira rose to the occasion, executing a perfectly timed move in the final laps to snatch the lead and ultimately, the win.

Meanwhile, championship leader Manuel Gonzalez (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) salvaged a crucial third-place finish. After a sluggish start that saw him languishing in ninth during the early laps, the Spaniard clawed his way back into contention with a determined ride — important damage limitation in the title fight.

Fast Start from Ortola, but Moreira Quickly Takes Control

From the off, it was rookie sensation Ivan Ortola (QJMOTOR – FRINSA – MSI) who launched best from the line. After securing his first-ever front row start in Moto2, Ortola grabbed the holeshot. But it didn’t take long for polesitter Moreira to assert himself — reclaiming the lead by Turns 3 and 4 with a composed early effort.

Behind them, Canet wasted no time. After fending off an aggressive challenge from Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo) on the opening lap, he surged past the front group and took over the lead on Lap 2. It looked like Canet was setting the tone for another dominant performance.

As all this unfolded, Gonzalez had his work cut out from P9. While others around him made early progress, he initially struggled to find rhythm.

Mid-Race Shuffle and Attrition Behind the Leaders

Barry Baltus (Fantic Racing Lino Sonego) served a double Long Lap Penalty by Lap 5, sending him tumbling down the order to 14th. Up ahead, Ortola began to fade as he came under heavy pressure. Albert Arenas (ITALJET Gresini Moto2), Joe Roberts (OnlyFans American Racing Team), and Jake Dixon (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) all made clean moves past the Spanish rookie, relegating him to seventh.

By Lap 7, Baltus’ day went from bad to worse — crashing out at Turn 1 and becoming the race’s first retirement. At the front, the lead duo of Canet and Moreira had stretched a 1.2-second gap over Öncü in third. The Turkish rider, in turn, held a similar buffer over Roberts in fourth.

This is where Gonzalez began to find his groove. After dispatching Dixon, he slowly reeled in the group ahead. His pass on Öncü at Turn 5 on Lap 12 moved him into a crucial third place. But the front pair were already three seconds up the road.

Final Stages: The Fight at the Front Intensifies

Drama struck again on Lap 14 when Öncü lost the front and crashed at the final chicane, promoting Dixon to fifth. Meanwhile, Moreira remained glued to the rear of Canet’s Kalex machine — studying his every move, clearly biding his time.

As the laps ticked down, anticipation built. Would Moreira make his move? Could Canet hold him off? The answer came with two laps to go. At Turn 3, Canet ran slightly wide, and Moreira didn’t hesitate — darting through the inside to seize the lead. It was a calculated, decisive move. But was it enough?

Last Lap Drama and a Historic Result

As they started the final lap, the tension was electric. Moreira led, but Canet stayed right on his exhaust, refusing to let go. The pair entered Assen’s infamous final sector almost as one, but Canet couldn’t quite get close enough to attempt a pass.

With impeccable control, Moreira crossed the line first — a monumental moment for the 20-year-old and his nation. Brazil had never won a Moto2 race before. Today, they celebrated not just a win, but a statement of intent from a rising star.

The Rest of the Field: Recovery Rides and Valuable Points

Gonzalez’s third-place finish wasn’t flashy, but it was vital. After a difficult opening, it was a masterclass in patience and strategy — keeping his championship hopes intact.

Jake Dixon, starting from 11th on the grid, carved his way through for a strong fourth-place finish, boosting his confidence in the process. Joe Roberts held off teammate Marcos Ramirez by a razor-thin 0.061s margin at the line, taking fifth and sixth respectively.

Albert Arenas finished seventh, followed by Alonso Lopez (Folladore SpeedRS Team) in eighth. Liqui Moly Dynavolt’s second rider, Senna Agius, came home ninth, while Dani Holgado (CFMoto Inde Aspar Team) rounded out the top ten.

Among the home crowd favorites, both Zonta van den Goorbergh (RW – Idrofoglia Racing GP) and Collin Veijer (Red Bull KTM Ajo) brought cheer to Dutch fans by securing points in 12th and 14th, respectively.

A Day to Remember for Moto2 and Brazilian Motorsport

Moreira’s performance at Assen was more than just a race win — it was a breakthrough. From a pole position start to a last-lap triumph, it was a composed, calculated, and courageous ride. With the season heating up and the title battle intensifying, Moto2 has a new winner — and Brazil has a new motorsport hero.

Official MotoGP Press Release