Moto 2: Dixon Dominates Day One at COTA, Gonzalez Faces Q1 Challenge

British rider Jake Dixon (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) asserted his authority on day one of the Moto2™ Red Bull Grand Prix of The Americas, topping both FP1 and Practice sessions to firmly establish himself as the rider to beat. Dixon’s impressive performance sets him up perfectly for Saturday’s qualifying at the Circuit of the Americas.

As a dry line gradually emerged on the 5.5km circuit in the closing minutes of Practice, late improvements shuffled the leaderboard. Tony Arbolino (BLUCRU Pramac Yamaha Moto2) climbed to second, with Alonso Lopez (Team HDR Heidrun) securing third. Rookie sensation Daniel Holgado (CFMOTO Power Electronics Aspar Team) also impressed, jumping to fourth on his final flying lap.

However, it was a day to forget for World Championship leader Manuel Gonzalez (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP). A crash at Turn 12 hampered his progress, and he struggled to find pace afterward, finishing a disappointing 26th, nearly four seconds off Dixon’s blistering time. Gonzalez will now face the challenge of Q1 on Saturday.

Celestino Vietti (Team HDR Heidrun) completed the top five, while Alex Escrig (KLINT Forward Factory Team)put in a strong showing for sixth. Oscar Gutierrez, replacing Sergio Garcia, earned a direct Q2 spot with an impressive ninth. Rookie Yuki Kunii (IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia) also secured a coveted top-10 position.

Local favorite Joe Roberts (OnlyFans American Racing Team) will join Gonzalez in Q1, both hoping to fight their way into the pole position battle on Saturday afternoon. Moto2™ qualifying is set to kick off at 13:45 local time.