Gonzalez snatches pole, edging out Vietti by mere hundredths in Thailand
Gonzalez Seals First Moto2 Pole of 2025, Edges Vietti by Fractions in Thailand
Manuel Gonzalez (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) claimed the first Moto2 pole position of the season in a thrilling late-session showdown, narrowly beating Celestino Vietti (HDR Heidrun) by just 0.036 seconds. Vietti, who fought his way through Q1, secured P2, while Aron Canet (Fantic Racing Lino Sonego) locked in P3, setting the stage for an intense battle on Sunday.
Last-Second Shake-Up Denies Baltus First Pole
With just 22 seconds remaining in Q2, Barry Baltus (Fantic Racing Lino Sonego) appeared on course for a maiden pole position. However, a flurry of fast laps from his rivals dropped him to P5, with Senna Agius (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) edging him out for fourth place. Darryn Binder (ITALJET Gresini Moto2), another rider who came through Q1, completed the second row in P6.
Tight Competition Throughout the Field
Marcos Ramirez (OnlyFans American Racing Team) starts seventh, followed by late movers Jake Dixon (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team, P8) and Alonso Lopez (Team HDR Heidrun, P9) on Row 3.
Brazil’s Diogo Moreira (Italtrans Racing Team) will launch from P10, with Izan Guevara (BLU CRU Pramac Yamaha Moto2, P11) and Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo, P12) looking to fight forward once the lights go out. Tony Arbolino (BLU CRU Pramac Yamaha Moto2), a past Buriram race winner, had a tough session and failed to advance to Q2 in his first appearance with his new team.
Standout Performances & Key Storylines
- Mario Aji (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) impressed with his best-ever Moto2 qualifying result, securing P14 in front of his home crowd.
- Rookie Daniel Holgado (CFMoto Inde Aspar Team) put in a solid P15 debut, advancing through Q1 in his first Moto2 outing.
- Reigning Moto3 Champion David Alonso (CFMoto Inde Aspar Team) is still adjusting to the Moto2 class, missing out on a Q2 spot and aiming for a comeback on race day.
With the grid set, anticipation is high for a sensational Moto2 season opener in Thailand. Can Gonzalez convert pole into victory, or will Vietti and Canet mount a challenge? Don’t miss the action as the lights go out on Sunday!
Bertelle Shines to Secure Maiden Moto3 Pole in Buriram
Bertelle Claims First Moto3 Pole in Buriram After Intense Qualifying Battle
The first Moto3™ pole position of the season has been decided after a fiercely competitive qualifying session in Buriram. With track temperatures soaring near 60°C, the session delivered plenty of drama, but in the end, Matteo Bertelle (LEVEL-UP MTA) continued his strong weekend form to secure his maiden career pole position.
Q1: Buasri Leads the Charge as Rookies Impress
The opening runs in Q1 saw home favorite Tatchakorn Buasri (Honda Team Asia) steal the spotlight, leading with five minutes to go ahead of a group of promising rookies, including Alvaro Carpe (Red Bull KTM Ajo), Valentin Perrone (Red Bull KTM Tech3), and Adrian Cruces (CIP Green Power)—who was stepping in for Noah Dettwiler. Carpe later edged Buasri for the top spot, but both advanced to Q2 for the first time, alongside Dennis Foggia (CFMOTO Aspar Team) and Eddie O’Shea (GRYD – MLav Racing), marking the Briton’s debut Q2 appearance.
Q2: Bertelle Sets the Pace as Strategy Pays Off
With Q2 underway, the session featured top contenders like Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo), Bertelle, and Ryusei Yamanaka (FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI)—all of whom had topped practice sessions earlier in the weekend. Bertelle immediately stamped his authority, setting the fastest opening lap and then pulling teammate Joel Kelso into second place in a well-executed team strategy. Luca Lunetta (SIC58 Squadra Corse) also surged into P3 as the final push for pole began.
Final Laps: Bertelle Holds Strong Amid Late Challenges
Opting to set lap times alone, Yamanaka climbed into the top ten, while the main pack prepared for their final three flying laps. The penultimate lap saw a flurry of improvements—Carpe jumped to fifth, Scott Ogden (CIP Green Power) moved into fourth, and Stefano Nepa (SIC58 Squadra Corse) surged to second. Rueda also remained in contention, but Bertelle’s earlier effort proved unbeatable, securing him his first-ever Moto3 pole and his first front-row start since Sepang 2023.
Final Grid: Strong Performances Throughout the Field
Ogden held onto fourth, while Lunetta secured fifth, finishing just ahead of top rookie Carpe in sixth. The third row saw David Almansa (Leopard Racing Honda) leading the way, followed by Kelso, Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia), and David Muñoz (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP), who rounded out the top ten.
With Bertelle on pole position and a highly competitive grid behind him, the stage is set for an electrifying Moto3 race in Buriram!
Official MotoGP Press Release
