Joe Roberts Returns to Glory in Brno Moto2™ Triumph
Joe Roberts claimed his first Moto2™ victory since the injury that ended his 2024 campaign, beating pole-sitter Barry Baltus in a close-fought battle at Brno. Manuel Gonzalez completed the podium and extended his championship lead after title rival Aron Canet crashed out on the opening lap.
The Triumph-powered Moto2 field returned to Brno for the first time since 2020, facing wet conditions on Friday that saw practice red-flagged. Qualifying on Saturday brought sunshine, and Roberts looked set for pole until Baltus stormed to a new all-time lap record of 1m 58.322 to claim his maiden Moto2 pole, ahead of Roberts and Marcos Ramirez.
Baltus got a shaky launch from his first pole start, almost tangling with Roberts off the line. Ramirez capitalised to lead a Moto2 race for the first time in his career, knowing he had two long-lap penalties to serve for a Sachsenring incident. Baltus soon regained the lead, with Ramirez dropping to P12 after serving both penalties. Canet’s early crash - almost collecting Jake Dixon in the process - handed a major boost to Gonzalez’s title hopes.
At the front, Baltus, Roberts and Gonzalez broke away with unmatched pace. Roberts launched his move on Baltus, and after a brief scrap, made it stick. Baltus kept the pressure on, but the pair began to edge away from Gonzalez.
Roberts crossed the line to take an emotional return win - his first since returning from injury. Baltus took back-to-back second places, while Gonzalez rode a mature race to secure third and valuable championship points.
Rookie Daniel Holgado equalled his best Moto2 finish with fourth, while Celestino Vietti climbed from 11th to fifth, making full use of the performance of the Triumph 765cc triple engine. So too did Izan Guevara, who took sixth from 12th on the grid, and Marcos Ramirez, who recovered to seventh despite serving two long-lap penalties.
Triumph Triple Trophy Shortlist
Barry Baltus for his maiden pole, new all-time lap record and a strong second-place finish.
Joe Roberts for his first win since injury, showing strong pace and racecraft all weekend.
Daniel Holgado for a standout ride from the rookie to equal his best Moto2 result in fourth.
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Next round
Round 13, Red Bull Ring, Austria 15 - 17 August 2025
