P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Gresini’s Manuel Gonzalez earned a dramatic first Moto2 win over Ai Ogura after a strategic masterclass in Motegi.
In a restarted race due to rainy conditions, Gonzalez chose to stick with slick tires, leading to his unexpected path to his first Grand Prix victory. Jake Dixon of Aspar started well from pole position and initially led the pack into the first corner. However, Guevara’s overtly aggressive move on Van den Goorbergh disrupted the Aspar 1-2 plan exiting Turn 1. Shortly after the race began, heavy rain fell, prompting officials to display the red and white flag due to the wet track. The riders expressed dissatisfaction with the slippery conditions, leading to the race being stopped before completion of the first lap. After deliberation, race direction opted to resume the race with 12 laps remaining. Amid uncertainty in the pit lane regarding the need for wet tires, most riders opted for the rain tires, except for Ai Ogura, who went out on slicks for the second sighting lap. Hitch-free, Dixon once again launched well from pole position on the restart, culminating in an Aspar 1-2 finish as Guevara rectified his earlier aggression. Vietti of KTM Ajo and Arbolino of MarcVDS showed early composure in the challenging rain conditions, climbing into the top five positions. Despite an initial setback dropping him to 14th, Ogura’s tire choice ultimately proved optimal as he stormed to the lead by the third lap. The remaining runners on slick tires effortlessly maneuvered through the field, securing the top six positions. Gonzalez’s impressive pace enabled him to reel in Ogura’s lead and notch his first Moto2 victory. The Gresini rider maintained his performance to clinch victory ahead of championship leader Ogura. Salac of MarcVDS claimed the third spot on the podium after a heated battle with Alcoba. Following a challenging restart, Van den Goorbergh secured fifth place on slick tires, complemented by Artigas in sixth. Vietti was the highest-placed slick tire runner in seventh, finishing 53 seconds behind Gonzalez. Moreira took eighth place in the tough conditions, leading Lopez in ninth while Guevara settled for 10th place. Arbolino fought off Aldeguer and Dixon to secure 11th, with Garcia and Binder closing out the points-scoring positions in 14th and 15th, respectively.
