Dani Holgado Reigns Supreme Under the Lusail Lights for Triumph-Powered Moto2™ Victory
Under the Qatari night sky, Dani Holgado emerged victorious in the Moto2™ Qatar Grand Prix at the Losail International Circuit today, using the power of his Triumph Street Triple 765 RS engine to secure a second victory of the season and his first since Brazil in March. Iván Ortolá finished in second position, snatching the 20 points from Alex Escrig who rounded out the podium at Round 20 of the season.
The weekend got underway in the scoring heat before night fell for Friday’s timed practice, setting the order for Saturday’s Qualifying sessions. Alex Escrig secured pole position on Saturday, setting a new all-time lap record of 1:55.241 to secure his first pole of his career.
As the flag fell on Saturday’s Q2 session, it was Manuel Gonzalez who posted the second fastest time with Holgado third, but post-session penalties changed the order with Holgado promoted to second and Celestino Vietti third.
As the Triumph-powered Moto2 field lined up under the floodlights for the 18-lap Grand Prix, Escrig made a strong start, holding off Holgado through the opening corners to maintain his place at the front of the field. Meanwhile, Dani Muñoz made a strong start from 11th on the grid to cross the line 2nd at the end of the opening lap.
As the early laps ticked by, the fight at the front remained a fierce one with David Alonso and Gonzalez starting to make their mark. The Aspar rider made his pass on the Spaniard, elevating himself to fifth and began his podium charge.
At the same time, Holgado was back ahead of Muñoz and set his sights on Escrig ahead, a task that was eventually completed on lap 14 when he passed the Forward Racing rider down the front straight.
With Holgado ahead, eyes were on Ortolá who had risen from 16th on the grid to fourth before demoting Alonso from the podium on Lap 12.
As the final lap began Holgado held a comfortable advantage over Escrig, who found himself on the defensive as Ortolá sat behind. A run to the line rewarded Ortolá second place, beating Escrig by 0.020 seconds to follow home race winner Holgado.
Championship leader Gonzalez came home in sixth place behind Alonso and Muñoz whilst title-rival Izan Guevara was forced to retire.
The Moto2 World Championship resumes with the penultimate round of the season in two weeks’ time at Portimão, Portugal (20-22 November). ---
Triumph Triple Trophy Shortlist
(final shortlist of 2026)
1. Ivan Ortolá - Battled through from 13th on the grid to finish second at the final moment.
2. Dani Muñoz - Started the Grand Prix from 11th and muscled his way through to secure a top five.
3. Dani Holgado - Overcame an early battle from teammate Alonso and timed his move on Escrig to perfection before opening a 2.265 second lead to claim victory.
Next Race
Portuguese Grand Prix, Portimão, November 20-22
