Guevara Scores Big Win in Triumph Powered Japanese MOTO2 Grand Prix

Izan Guevara secured a big Championship victory in Japan today as the Pramac Racing rider stormed to a third win of the season whilst title-rival Manuel Gonzalez failed to score. Tony Arbolino made a welcome return to the podium with Filip Salač rounding off the rostrum.

The flyaway-leg of the Moto2™ World Championship kicked off in the Land of the Rising Sun this weekend as the Mobility Resort Motegi played host to Round 14 of the 2026 season.

Following a frantic Free Practice on Friday, Qualifying saw Guevara romp to pole position securing a new all-time lap record of a 1:46.851 with Salač and Gonzalez lining up on the front row.

But drama struck before the lights went out for today’s Japanese Grand Prix with Gonzalez suffering an issue on the grid which resulted in his Intact GP machine stalling on the grid, meaning the series leader was set to start the Grand Prix from pit lane.

With Gonzalez out of contention, Guevara meant business as he launched from pole position, holding the lead as the field tipped into turn one. Maintaining his advantage over Salač and Arbolino, the Spanish rider found his rhythm and looked in control throughout.

As the laps ticked by, Arbolino made his move, passing Salač for second place before setting his sights on Guevara just ahead. Shadowing his rival until he made his move on Lap 17, Arbolino dived to the inside at the V Corner, but ran wide gifting Guevara a route back to the lead.

From there, the top three remained unchanged with Guevara securing a third win of the season ahead of Arbolino who took his first podium since the 2025 American Grand Prix. Salač held on to third despite Ivan Ortola, David Alonso and a hard-charging Celestino Vietti, who set three lap records on the bounce, closing the gap and took the chequered flag in fourth, fifth and sixth places behind the top three.

Gonzalez took the chequered flag in 22nd position and sees his title lead slashed to 10.5 points ahead of the Indonesian Grand Prix next weekend (9-11 October).

Triumph Triple Trophy:

1. Izan Guevara - Lights-to-flag victory for Guevara, withstanding race-long pressure from Arbolino and Salač to secure a big with for his title campaign.

2. Tony Arbolino - A first podium since the 2025 American Grand Prix. Challenged Guevara for the victory all race long and secured a strong second place

3. Filip Salač - Constant pressure throughout the race, holding a podium position from the off and secured his fifth podium of the year.

Next Race:

Indonesian Grand Prix, Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit, 9-11 October