Diogo Moreira was the man to beat during Moto2 World qualifying Saturday at MotorLand Aragón, in Spain. The Brazilian topped qualifying session with a new lap record time. Riding his Italtrans Racing Team Kalex, Moreira navigated the 3.15-mile (5.07 km) course in 1:49.940, breaking Alonso Lopez’s 2024 All-Time Lap Record of 1:50.989.
Barry Baltus was second-best with a 1:50.162 on his Fantic Racing Lino Sonego Kalex.
Deniz Oncü claimed the third and final spot on the front row with a 1:50.166 on his Red Bull KTM Ajo Kalex.
American Joe Roberts finished Saturday qualifying session 9th with a best time of 1:50.609 on his OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex.
More, from a press release issued by Dorna:
Moreira and Brazil claim dream debut Moto2 pole. The Brazilian makes history in qualifying at Aragon as drama unfolds for Championship leader Gonzalez.
Thanks to a 1:49.940 in Q2, Diogo Moreira (Italtrans Racing Team) is a history maker after becoming the first Brazilian to claim a pole position in Moto2. Barry Baltus (Fantic Racing Lino Sonego) will line up in the middle of the front row in P2, the Belgian was 0.222s adrift of Moreira in qualifying, as Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo) bagged P3.
Elsewhere, there was early drama for Championship leader Manuel Gonzalez (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP). A fast crash before he’d set a lap time signalled the end of his session, which means the Spaniard will start the Aragon GP from P18 on the grid – work to do.
His chief title rival, Aron Canet (Fantic Racing Lino Sonego) fronts the second row in fourth, as both CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team rookies line up alongside the #44 – Daniel Holgado and Silverstone podium finisher David Alonso.
British GP winner Senna Agius (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) will launch from P13, with double 2025 race winner Jake Dixon (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) P14 on the grid – so there’s some key contenders starting from further down the grid on Sunday afternoon.
