The Spanish Grand Prix weekend at Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto delivered a dramatic qualifying session for the Moto2 class, with 19-year-old Dutch rider Collin Veijer claiming his maiden pole position in the category. The Red Bull KTM Ajo rider edged out Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP’s Manuel Gonzalez by just 0.043 seconds in a thrilling final run, while Indonesia’s Mario Aji secured 12th position on the grid after a resilient performance.

Veijer Breaks Through with Pole Position

Collin Veijer’s pole position marks a significant milestone in his Moto2 career. The young Dutchman, who finished third in yesterday’s race, set a blistering lap time of 1:41.234 during the Q2 session to claim the top spot. This achievement comes after a strong weekend for Veijer, who had already demonstrated his speed during free practice sessions.

“It feels incredible to be on pole for the first time in Moto2,” Veijer said after the session. “The team worked perfectly, and the bike felt amazing. Jerez is a tricky track, but we managed to set everything together when it mattered most.”

Veijer’s pole position is particularly notable given the competitive nature of the Moto2 field this season. The Dutch rider’s performance puts him in prime position to challenge for his first Moto2 victory on Sunday, though he’ll face stiff competition from the Intact GP duo of Gonzalez and Senna Agius, who qualified second and third respectively.

Intact GP Shows Strong Form

Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP continued their impressive start to the 2026 season, with both Manuel Gonzalez and Senna Agius securing positions on the front row. Gonzalez, who finished second in yesterday’s race, was just 0.043 seconds behind Veijer, while Agius completed the front row with a time of 1:41.389.

The Spanish team’s performance in qualifying mirrors their success in yesterday’s race, where they secured a 1-2 finish with Agius taking the victory. Their consistency suggests they’ll be strong contenders for the championship this season, particularly with the Kalex chassis proving competitive on Jerez’s technical layout.

“We knew we had the pace, but to have both bikes on the front row is fantastic,” said Intact GP team manager Jurgen Lingg. “The riders worked well together, and the team executed our strategy perfectly. Tomorrow will be another tough race, but we’re confident in our package.”

Mario Aji’s Resilient Qualifying

Indonesia’s Mario Aji will start Sunday’s race from 12th position after a determined qualifying performance. The Idemitsu Honda Team Asia rider improved steadily throughout the session, ultimately securing his spot in Q2 and finishing ahead of several established competitors.

Aji’s qualifying result comes after a disappointing race on Saturday, where he failed to finish (DNF) due to a crash. The Indonesian rider had shown promising pace during free practice sessions, and his ability to bounce back in qualifying demonstrates his resilience.

“I’m happy with P12, but we know we can do better,” Aji said. “The bike felt good, and we made some progress with the setup. Tomorrow is another day, and we’ll deliver everything to finish the race and score points.”

Aji’s starting position puts him in a good position to challenge for points on Sunday, though he’ll need to navigate the opening laps carefully at Jerez, which is known for its tight first corner and potential for incidents.

Key Qualifying Results

What to Watch in Sunday’s Race

Sunday’s Moto2 Spanish Grand Prix promises to be an exciting affair, with several key storylines to follow:

• Veijer’s Maiden Victory Bid: The Dutch rider will be aiming to convert his pole position into his first Moto2 win. His ability to manage tire wear over the 21-lap race will be crucial.
• Intact GP’s Team Strategy: With both Gonzalez and Agius on the front row, the team will need to manage their riders carefully to avoid internal competition while maximizing their points haul.
• Aji’s Redemption Arc: After failing to finish yesterday’s race, the Indonesian rider will be looking to secure his first points of the season. His starting position gives him a realistic chance to do so.
• Jerez’s Technical Challenges: The 4.423km circuit features 13 turns and demands precise bike control. Riders will need to balance aggression with tire conservation to succeed.

The race is scheduled to start at 2:00 PM local time (12:00 PM UTC) on Sunday, April 27. With temperatures expected to reach 24°C and dry conditions forecasted, track grip should improve throughout the day, potentially leading to faster lap times in the race compared to qualifying.

Standings Implications

Sunday’s race carries significant implications for the 2026 Moto2 championship standings. Senna Agius currently leads the championship with 45 points after his victory in Saturday’s race, followed by Manuel Gonzalez with 36 points and Collin Veijer with 33 points.

Mario Aji, who failed to finish yesterday’s race, currently sits 19th in the standings with 0 points. A strong result on Sunday would help the Indonesian rider climb the rankings and build momentum for the remainder of the season.

The Moto2 championship is particularly tight this year, with the top 10 riders separated by just 22 points. Every race result will have a significant impact on the championship trajectory, making Sunday’s Spanish Grand Prix a crucial event in the 2026 season.

Key Takeaways

• Collin Veijer secured his first Moto2 pole position with a time of 1:41.234, edging out Manuel Gonzalez by just 0.043 seconds.
• Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP continues to indicate strong form, with both Gonzalez and Senna Agius qualifying on the front row.
• Mario Aji will start from 12th position after a resilient qualifying performance, looking to secure his first points of the season.
• The top 10 in the championship are separated by just 22 points, making every race result crucial for the title contenders.
• Sunday’s race is scheduled for 2:00 PM local time (12:00 PM UTC) under dry conditions with temperatures around 24°C.

What’s Next

The Moto2 Spanish Grand Prix will take place on Sunday, April 27 at 2:00 PM local time (12:00 PM UTC). Fans can follow the action through official MotoGP channels, including live timing and commentary on MotoGP.com and the MotoGP app.

The next round of the Moto2 championship will be the French Grand Prix at Le Mans on May 11, 2026. This will be followed by the Italian Grand Prix at Mugello on May 25, continuing the European leg of the season.

What are your predictions for Sunday’s race? Will Collin Veijer convert his pole position into victory, or can the Intact GP riders challenge for the win? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation on social media using #Moto2 and #SpanishGP.