Moto2: Fermin Aldeguer takes the Moto2 victory in Jerez
By Dawn Hammersley
Fermin Aldeguer wins his first victory of the 2024 season, holding off his fellow riders throughout the race
For the Gran Premio Estrella Galicia 0,0 at Jerez, Fermin Aldeguer was on pole position, with Albert Arenas qualifying in second place and Britain’s Jake Dixon lined-up in third place on the premiere row of the grid. Moto2 championship challenger Aron Canet was out of action due to a crash on Friday resulting in a broken foot. The weather at the Spanish circuit was warm but there were still a few tricky damp patches around the circuit.
Manuel Gonzalez lead the pack of Moto2 riders into turn one, Fermin took the lead at turn five. The move was short lived as Manuel responded to the move and retook the first place position.
Jake Dixon was in fourth place just behind Sergio Garcia. Senna Agius crashed out at turn six on lap three, Bo Bendsneyder also crashed out of the race.
American rider Joe Roberts was up to eighth place after having a disappointing Qualifying session yesterday. The leading three riders made a break from the rest of the field, it was an all Spanish trio.
Dennis Foggia crashed out at turn 13, a corner that seemed to be catching the riders out! Roberts was in fifth place after four laps and was the fastest man on track.
Aldeguer and Gonzalez were battling for first place, fellow compatriots were swopping positions which was helping Garcia to catch the leading duo. Dixon was losing pace and was in seventh place. Roberts was in fourth and catching Garcia.
Disaster for Dixon as he crashed out at turn 13, this is the Brit’s fourth race not scoring any championship points.
At the start of lap 12 Aldeguer was leading the race from Gonzalez, Roberts was on the back wheel of the current championship leader Garcia. Another crash at turn 13 as Diogo Moreira went down. Roberts made his move at turn five and took third place from Garcia. Alonso Lopez became the ninth rider to crash out at turn 13.
Roberts made his move for second place, the Californian rider was now leading the live champion standings. Gonzalez wasn’t giving up on the second place but Joe just looked to have more pace on the final lap of the race.
Aldeguer crossed the line to take a home victory at Jerez, Roberts finished in second place, Gonzalez was third, Garcia was fourth with Albert Arenas finishing in fifth place.
Joe Roberts takes charge of the championship standings on 69 points and Garcia is in second place on 64 points.
Featured Images: Joel Cooper Photography.