Celestino Vietti Wins Moto2 Classic in Misano
The Triumph powered Moto2 class returned to Misano for the second time in two weeks for round 14 of the 2024 season. Tony Arbolino was quickest on Friday but it was Aron Canet who took pole for the first time since Le Mans, with a new all-time lap record of 1m 34.935. Joe Roberts qualified in second for his first front row start since Mugello in June and Arbolino completed the front row in third.
In Sunday’s race, Arbolino got a trademark good start to take the holeshot from Celestino Vietti who flew from fourth to second with Canet in third. Championship leader, Ai Ogura, also got a flying start from seventh on the grid into fourth ahead of Fermin Aldeguer, Joe Roberts and Jake Dixon.
The leading trio of Arbolino, Vietti and Canet set a blistering pace which they maintained throughout, with Vietti setting the new race lap record of 1m 35.468 on lap four. On lap 16 of 22, Vietti had a big moment which allowed Canet through into second. Arbolino then had a wobble that allowed Canet to take the lead with Vietti in chase before the #13 had another out-of-the-seat moment allowing Arbolino back into second behind Canet.
Both Canet and Arbolino were hungry to end their win droughts and a brilliant battle ensued at the front with both riders pushing hard. Arbolino hit the front again and looked like he was going to take a home victory until a mistake on the penultimate corner saw him go wide and Canet got through, But on the final drag to the finish line, it was Vietti who was able to get the better drive and he passed Canet on the finish line to take a home victory and his second win of the year with Arbolino ultimately crossing the line in third for his third successive podium.
Ogura was fourth, extending his championship lead after Sergio Garcia and Jake Dixon both crashed out. Fermin Aldeguer finished fifth from Roberts in sixth and Senna Agius in seventh, his second best result of the year.
Moto2 now heads straight to Mandalika for the Grand Prix of Indonesia, 27-29 September.
Triumph Triple Trophy
Triumph and MotoGP announced a new format for the Triumph Triple Trophy for 2024, where the winner will take home a Street Triple 765 RS prize bike at the end of the season.
This year, a judging panel picks a short list of three standout riders which will be published on MotoGP’s Instagram stories. Fans can then vote for their favourite.
The points awarded are in reference to Triumph’s 765cc engine:
- 7 points for the rider with most fan votes
- 6 points for the rider with second most fan votes
- 5 points for the rider with third most fan votes
This week’s shortlist is:
- Tony Arbolino for a strong weekend, leading Friday’s sessions, a front row start and a brilliant race to take his third successive podium.
- Aron Canet for the new all-time lap record and a valiant race, just missing out on the win.
- Celestino Vietti for making up from last round's DNF to take a stunning victory and new race lap record.
Head to Instagram stories on MotoGP’s official Instagram account @motogp to vote for your favourite.
