Izan Guevara claimed his fifth pole position of the Moto2 season at the Mandalika circuit, setting a blistering absolute lap record of 1:31.963 during qualifying for the Indonesian Grand Prix, according to reporting from Sport. The Balearic rider used the record-breaking performance to increase pressure on championship leader Manuel González.
Record-Breaking Pace in Mandalika Qualifying
Guevara dominated the final qualifying session by being the only Moto2 rider to dip into the 1:31 bracket. His benchmark lap eclipsed the 1:32.187 mark set earlier in the day by David Alonso, as documented by Sport. Track conditions during the sessions were punishingly hot, with ambient temperatures reaching 30 degrees Celsius and asphalt readings soaring to 62 degrees Celsius alongside a light wind.
Contrasting Fortunes for Championship Contenders
While Guevara celebrated a record-setting performance, world championship leader Manuel González endured a difficult afternoon. González suffered several scares—including a moment on the 15th bend that forced him to retreat to the pits—leaving him down in tenth place on the starting grid, which marks his second-worst qualifying result of the season. His only poorer start this year was 13th in Brno following a penalty.
González holds a lead in the overall standings, separated by just 10.5 points from Guevara, whose recent surge has eaten into that margin. Behind Guevara on the front row will be Alex Escrig—who posted an impressive second-fastest time of 1:32.159 for the Forward team—and David Alonso, who completed the front row despite battling heavy traffic in the final minutes.
Grid Penalties Shift Starting Positions
The starting grid was also heavily shaped by disciplinary actions handed down prior to the session. Sport confirmed that three riders received grid drops: Barry Baltus was relegated to the back of the grid for riding too slowly for a third time, Arón Canet lost nine positions for the same infraction, and Alonso López dropped six spots for ignoring yellow flags.
In the Q1 session, Dutch rider Collin Veijer set the early benchmark with a 1:32.674 before improving to 1:32.325 to secure his progression, edging out competitors like José Antonio Rueda and Joe Roberts. Roberts advanced over Luca Lunetta after posting the same time, but with a superior second lap. During the session, Japanese rider Taiyo Furusato gestured with his middle finger toward García Dols following a disagreement on track.
Unresolved Questions at the Indonesian Grand Prix
With Guevara commanding pole position and championship leader González buried on the fourth row in tenth, tactical race management remains an open question heading into Sunday’s lights-out.
Keep reading
