Moto2: Moreira Back on Top as Gonzalez’s Title Charge Takes a Hit with Costly DNF

After a difficult run of Grands Prix before the summer break, Diogo Moreira (Italtrans Racing Team) reminded the paddock of his class with a superb victory at the Red Bull Ring. The young Brazilian not only secured a full 25 points, but also reignited his championship hopes on a day when fortunes swung dramatically. For points leader Manuel Gonzalez (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP), it was heartbreak — a mechanical issue ended his race prematurely, denting his hard-earned advantage.

The podium was completed by rookie sensation Daniel Holgado (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team), who claimed an excellent second place in just his debut season in Moto2, while Celestino Vietti (Sync SpeedRS Team) salvaged third despite being burdened with a Long Lap penalty.

Lightning Start and Early Drama

From pole position, Holgado launched perfectly and snatched the holeshot into Turn 1, fending off both Moreira and Gonzalez. Behind them, chaos immediately struck: Jake Dixon (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) and Joe Roberts (OnlyFans American Racing) both overshot Turn 2A and lost crucial ground. Moments later, Senna Agius (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) suffered a violent crash on the exit of Turn 2B. Thankfully, the Australian rookie walked away without major injury, but his race was over almost before it had begun.

Meanwhile, Aron Canet (Fantic Racing Lino Sonego) nearly joined the casualty list at the start of Lap 2, saving a big front-end slide at Turn 1. That scare dropped him to the fringes of the top ten, while title rival Gonzalez was circulating strongly in fourth place, just behind Moreira, Holgado, and Vietti.

Gonzalez’s Nightmare

Then came the twist that defined the race. On Lap 3, Gonzalez suddenly lost power and began touring slowly, dropping ten positions in the space of a few corners. Bizarrely, just as quickly, his pace returned, but the damage was done: he rejoined the action down in 14th, six seconds behind where he should have been.

Two laps later, his misery was confirmed. Gonzalez pulled off track, retiring in visible frustration. Later, his team revealed the culprit — a stone had pierced the radiator, forcing his bike to overheat. It was cruel luck for the Spaniard, who had looked one of the strongest riders all weekend. Instead of extending his championship advantage, he walked away with nothing, leaving his title lead suddenly vulnerable.

The Battle at the Front

Up front, Moreira assumed control, with Holgado impressively matching his pace in second. Vietti sat in third, shadowed by David Alonso (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team), who was steadily working his way into contention. The Colombian rookie briefly got the better of Vietti with nine laps remaining, but the Italian struck back, unwilling to let go of the podium fight.

That duel proved costly. As the two traded blows, Moreira and Holgado opened up daylight at the front. Then, with seven laps to go, race direction handed Vietti a Long Lap penalty for exceeding track limits, effectively ending his chances of fighting for the win.

The remaining three contenders were Moreira, Holgado, and Alonso. But just as the showdown was heating up, Alonso’s charge ended in the gravel — the Colombian losing the front at Turn 9 with five laps to run. His mistake promoted Vietti back into the podium positions and left only two riders in the battle for victory.

Moreira’s Redemption Ride

From there, Moreira showed maturity beyond his years. He calmly managed the gap, never giving Holgado a real opening. The rookie pushed hard, but the Italtrans rider kept his rhythm and crossed the line 2.3 seconds clear — a statement win and his first since the spring.

Holgado, meanwhile, had every reason to celebrate. A second place and maiden Moto2 podium in only his first season is a huge milestone, underlining that the Spaniard is adapting quickly to the intermediate class. Vietti, despite his penalty, bagged yet another podium at the Red Bull Ring, proving his knack for the Austrian circuit.

Top Ten Finishers and Standings Impact

Just off the podium, Albert Arenas (ITALJET Gresini Moto2) finished a strong fourth, less than half a second behind Vietti, with Tony Arbolino (BLUCRU Pramac Yamaha Moto2) rounding out the top five. Rookie Ivan Ortola (QJMOTOR – FRINSA – MSI) impressed again with sixth place, fending off Barry Baltus (Fantic Racing Lino Sonego).

Collin Veijer (Red Bull KTM Ajo) secured his best Moto2 result to date with eighth, while Izan Guevara (BLUCRU Pramac Yamaha Moto2) claimed ninth. Canet, after his early scare, salvaged tenth, importantly cutting Gonzalez’s championship lead down to just 19 points.

Moreira’s win lifted him right back into the conversation: he now trails Gonzalez by 35 points heading into next weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix at Balaton Park.

Big Picture

This was more than just a win for Moreira — it was a turning point. After setbacks earlier in the season, he proved he can deliver under pressure and capitalize when rivals falter. For Holgado, the podium confirmed his status as a rookie to watch, while Vietti continues to collect valuable points with consistent form.

But the biggest story is Gonzalez. What looked like another step toward the crown turned into a nightmare through no fault of his own. The championship fight is wide open once again, and with momentum shifting, the next rounds could prove decisive.