Deniz Öncü won a thrilling first Moto2™ race at MotorLand Aragon in a sun-drenched battle by a mere 0.003 seconds from poleman Diogo Moreira, the closest finish in Moto2™ history. As records fell in the Spanish heat, Triumph’s 765cc triple engine produced thrilling racing from lights to flag.
In an exciting Moto2 race powered by Triumph, 21-year-olds Öncü, Baltus, and Moreira, all vying for their first victory, blazed up the front. Moreira got off to a strong start before Baltus and Öncü. Soon after, Öncü took the lead and switched positions with Baltus and Moreira many times, utilizing Triumph’s potent top-end performance and smooth torque transfer.
Moreira broke Sam Lowes’ long-standing Aragon lap record and set the fastest racing lap with four laps remaining, demonstrating the speed of the newest Triumph-powered Moto2 vehicles.
Before Öncü battled back and elbowed back through in an incredible photo finish, the Brazilian moved Baltus into second place and then took the lead, seemingly headed for his maiden Moto2 triumph. This gave Turkish fans their first-ever Moto2™ race winner.
Australian Senna Agius made an impressive comeback from 13th on the grid to finish fourth, while Barry Baltus, who had led much of the early going, finished third, his third podium of the season. Aron Canet was passed late in the race by Filip Salac, who completed the top five.
Shortlist for the Triumph Triple Trophy
Deniz Öncü: For that amazing finish, his first front-row start, and his amazing speed.
For his maiden pole position, lap record, and an incredible second place, Diogo Moreira just lost out on the victory in the most closely contested Moto2 finish ever.
Barry Baltus, who spent a large portion of the race in the lead and dedicated another fantastic podium to his father on Father’s Day (in Belgium).
