Thrilling Motul Solidarity Grand Prix Recap: Canet’s Victory

Canet Triumphs in Barcelona: Thrilling Finish at Motul Solidarity Grand Prix

Aron Canet (Fantic Racing) delivered a masterful performance at the Motul Solidarity Grand Prix of Barcelona, clinching victory in a heart-pounding finale. In a race packed with drama, Canet held his nerve and fended off Manuel Gonzalez (Gresini Moto2™) by a razor-thin margin of just 0.091 seconds. The result was doubly sweet for Gonzalez, whose second-place finish secured him third in the World Championship standings.

Meanwhile, the fight for the final podium spot was a spectacle unto itself. Brazilian rookie Diogo Moreira (Italtrans Racing) channeled the spirit of Valentino Rossi, executing a breathtaking last-corner move on World Champion Ai Ogura (MT Helmets – MSI). This daring pass made Moreira the first Brazilian to claim an intermediate-class podium since Adu Celso at the 1973 Swedish GP.

Early Drama and Key Incidents

The race began with chaos as Zonta van den Goorbergh (RW-Idrofoglia Racing GP) and Celestino Vietti (Red Bull KTM Ajo) collided at Turn 1. Both riders were conscious but were sent to a local hospital for further evaluation.

The turmoil didn’t stop there. At Turn 5, Jake Dixon (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team) and Jorge Navarro (OnlyFans American Racing Team) tangled, ending both of their races prematurely. Fortunately, both riders escaped without injuries.

At the front, Gonzalez wasted no time, surging ahead in the opening laps and establishing a half-second lead over polesitter Canet. Meanwhile, Fermin Aldeguer (Sync SpeedUp) served a Long Lap penalty carried over from the Thai GP, which relegated him to P13 early on.

Canet’s Game-Changing Move

Canet’s decisive moment came on Lap 4, where he launched an aggressive attack on Gonzalez to initiate a thrilling duel for the lead. Behind them, Ogura maintained a steady pace in third, showcasing the special livery that celebrated his dominant 2024 campaign.

However, the World Champion wasn’t alone. Diogo Moreira, riding with exceptional confidence, remained glued to Ogura’s rear wheel. The pair engaged in an intense battle from Lap 19, with Moreira attempting his first overtake at Turn 3, only for Ogura to retaliate at Turn 4.

A Photo Finish for Canet

As the race reached its climax, Canet and Gonzalez engaged in a drag race to the finish line. Canet emerged victorious by the slimmest of margins, crossing the line just 0.091 seconds ahead. The crowd erupted as Canet celebrated a hard-fought and well-earned win.

Behind the leaders, the spotlight shone brightly on Moreira, who executed a spectacular last-corner maneuver to claim third place. With this performance, he not only earned his maiden podium but also secured the Rookie of the Year title. Ogura, meanwhile, finished a bittersweet P4 in what marked his final race in the intermediate class.

Top Performances

The remaining positions in the top 10 featured some standout rides:

• Filip Salač (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) crossed the line in fifth, capping a consistent season.
• Sergio Garcia delivered a morale-boosting sixth place, narrowly ahead of Izan Guevara (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team), who took seventh.
• Albert Arenas (Gresini Moto2™) rounded out the top eight.
• Alonso Lopez and MotoGP™-bound Aldeguer completed the top 10 after steady rides.

Further down the field:

• Somkiat Chantra (IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia) finished 11th, edging out Marcos Ramirez (OnlyFans American Racing Team) and Senna Agius (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP).
• Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) and Jaume Masia (Preicanos Racing Team) claimed the final points-paying positions.

Wrapping Up the 2024 Season

The Motul Solidarity Grand Prix brought an electrifying end to the 2024 Moto2™ season, filled with thrilling battles, heartbreak, and unforgettable moments. With the dust now settling, fans and teams alike turn their attention to the upcoming 2025 season, where new rivalries and challenges await.

Congratulations to Aron Canet and all the riders for an incredible season. See you in 2025!

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