Austrian Grand Prix Moto2: Ai Ogura Clinches Victory as Championship Leads Grow
Ai Ogura, racing for Honda Team Asia in Moto2, claimed a dominant victory at the Austrian Grand Prix, the thirteenth round of the Motorcycle World Championship. The win extended his lead in the overall standings to 183 points, one point ahead of Spaniard Augusto Fernández, who rides for Red Bull KTM Ajo. The day also highlighted a vibrant Moto3 event, where Ayumu Sasaki powered his Husqvarna to the win, and Spaniard David Muñoz on a KTM staged a spirited rally to finish on the podium.
Ogura converted a strong performance into his second triumph of the season and his second pole position, repeating his success from the Spanish Grand Prix. Throughout the race, Ogura led from the start, managing the pace to ensure the lead remained intact as the laps unwound. His teammate Somkiat Chantra pressed hard, but the final moment favored Ogura as Chantra settled for second place on the final lap, closing the gap but not catching the winner.
The podium was completed by Jake Dixon, racing a Kalex, who delivered a consistent performance to secure third place and a strong return after a bruising period for the team. The race also marked a notable comeback for Pedro Acosta, who returned to action after suffering a broken femur in a prior event. Acosta showed flashes of his usual speed as the lights went out, challenging for a top finish before ultimately finishing lower down the order.
In the battle for positions, six additional Spaniards finished inside the top ten, underscoring the depth of talent from the nation in the category. Fernández settled into fifth position, with Aron Canet on a Kalex and Alonso López riding for CAG Speed Up rounding out the top ten. Also finishing among the leading group were Albert Arenas and Jeremy Alcoba on Kalex machines, contributing to a robust Spanish presence in the race results.
The day’s action was not without misfortune. Celestino Vietti, riding for the Mooney VR46 Racing Team, crashed on lap 18 while trying to overtake Chantra in the ongoing duel for stronger positions. The incident added a dramatic twist to an already eventful day, highlighting the intense competition that defined the race. Fermin Aldeguer, racing for Boscoscuro, also fell during the event, continuing a season characterized by mechanical and physical challenges that have tested several riders’ perseverance and skill.
Overall, the Austrian Grand Prix delivered a compelling chapter in the Moto2 season, with Ogura solidifying his dominance, a renewed challenge from Chantra, and an encouraging display from Acosta as he works his way back to the forefront. The results shape the championship narrative as teams prepare for the next round, keeping fans engaged in the ongoing pursuit of the title and the dramatic, ongoing story of the 2024 season as a whole. This event also reinforced the strong performance from the Spanish contingent, who showcased depth and resilience amid the high-pressure race environment.