Barry Baltus was the man to beat during Moto2 World qualifying Saturday at Automotodrom Brno, in Czech Republic. Riding his Pirelli-shod Fantic Racing Lino Sonego Kalex, Baltus navigated the 3.36-mile (5.40 km) course in 1:58.322, breaking Joe Roberts 2025 All-Time Lap Record of 1:58.444 he set this morning.
American Joe Roberts was second-best with a 1:58.342 on his OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex, and his teammate, Marcos Ramirez claimed the third and final spot on the front row with a 1:58.579.
Manuel Gonzalez crossed the finish line fourth on his LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP Kalex with a lap time of 1:58.711.
Daniel Holgado got fifth with a time of 1:58.805 on his CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team Kalex.
More from a press release issued by Dorna:
Baltus edges out Roberts for pole, Canet P18 in Brno. Just 0.020 sees the Belgian deny the American as Canet faces a fightback after solid qualifying for key title rivals.
Barry Baltus (Fantic Racing Lino Sonego) went from Q1 to pole position at Brno, just edging out Joe Roberts (OnlyFans American Racing) by 0.020. Just to rub it in, the Belgian also set his lap behind the American. Roberts’ teammate Marcos Ramirez completes the front row, pushing Championship leader Manuel Gonzalez (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) down to P4.
A crash for Aron Canet (Fantic Racing Lino Sonego) early in Q2 sees him start from P18 on the grid, giving the #44 some work to do on Sunday as key challengers start much further forward.
Daniel Holgado (CFMoto Inde Aspar Team) and Senna Agius (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) join Gonzalez on Row 2, ahead of Jake Dixon (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) in P7. Wildcard Mattia Pasini (Fantic Racing Redemption) and home hero Filip Salač (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) complete the third row.
We know Diogo Moreira (Italtrans Racing Team) starts from pitlane due to his penalty from the German GP, and the Brazilian also sat out Q1. More familiar names were left behind by the time Q2 began too, including reigning Moto3 Champion David Alonso (CFMoto Inde Aspar Team) and multiple podium finisher Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo).
Can they – and Canet – fight back on Sunday? See full qualifying results from Brno for Moto2 here and tune in for the Triumph-powered symphony from 12:15 (UTC +2) to find out!
