MotoGP Jerez: Maiden Moto2 pole to flag victory for Ogura

Honda Team Asia’s Ai Ogura celebrated an incredible pole to flag victory at the Jerez Circuit - Angel Nieto for his first taste of Moto2 glory in the Spanish Grand Prix.

The dominant performance was matched in determination by second place rider Aron Canet after the Spaniard dug deep for home success despite the obvious pain from his broken arm. Elf Marc VDS’ Tony Arbolino completed the podium celebrations after another strong rider from the sophomore, while teammate Sam Lowes and fellow Brit Jake Dixon crashed out in the early stages.

Ogura launched from his maiden pole position in the intermediate class alongside the Elf duo of Arbolino and Lowes as the lights released the 23-lap race. Flexbox HP40’s Canet qualifying fourth despite undergoing surgery on his fractured left radius on Monday afternoon following the dramatic Portuguese GP.

Ogura maintained control as the action began, Canet immediately up to second with Fermin Aldeguer through to third. Lowes suffering opposing fortunes as he dropped to eighth following contact off the start before beginning the fightback on his ex-teammate Augusto Fernandez. Arbolino was back in podium contention as the opening lap completed with Somkiat Chantra, Celestino Vietti and Lowes all through on Aldeguer next time around.

Lowes sat fifth as lap two counted down, Pedro Acosta crashing the KTM out at turn six after contact with the Speed Up youngster with Dixon running ninth on the GasGas Aspar.

Lap three and the pace picked up as the front group got into a rhythm. Arbolino through to second with Canet and Chantra between him and teammate Lowes as the Brit set the fastest lap of the race so far.

Romano Fenati crashed out at turn eight after six laps of the Spanish action as rumours