Deniz Öncü scribed his identify into Turkish motorsport historical past Sunday with an exciting wire-to-wire win at MotorLand Aragon, changing into the primary Turk to assert victory in a Moto2 World Championship race.
Racing for Red Bull KTM Ajo, the 21-year-old snatched the lead within the dying meters from Brazil’s Diogo Moreira, crossing the road simply 0.003 seconds forward – the closest margin in trendy Moto2 historical past.
It was a battle of nerves, tires, and timing throughout 19 laps, and Öncü performed it completely.
Race for the ages
Moreira, on pole after a record-setting qualifying lap, led early, however Öncü wasted no time. Launching from third, he dove previous Barry Baltus into Turn 1 and took the lead by Turn 8.
The race exploded into chaos on Lap 1 when Daniel Holgado crashed at Turn 12, accumulating teammate David Alonso, each promising rookies out early.
Baltus briefly led after Öncü ran large at Turn 3 on Lap 2, but it surely was championship contender Aron Canet who stormed to the entrance by Lap 6. A decent lead group of Canet, Öncü, Baltus, and Moreira started to interrupt away.
Öncü discovered one other gear on Laps 13 and 14, setting consecutive quickest laps to reclaim the lead.
Moreira clawed again on the ultimate lap, overtook Öncü at Turn 5, and appeared set for glory – till Öncü unleashed a shocking exit from the ultimate nook to win by the width of a tire.
Baltus completed third, 3.2 seconds adrift.
Tears on the rostrum
As the İstiklal Marşı (National Anthem) echoed by way of Aragon, a teary-eyed Öncü stood on the rostrum, soaking in a second years within the making. “I’m from Türkiye,” he mentioned emotionally. “Kenan and Toprak are the best teachers in the world. I gave everything. My rival passed me, but I didn’t quit.”
Öncü paid tribute to his mentors – Kenan Sofuoğlu, five-time Supersport champion, and Toprak Razgatlıoğlu, reigning WorldSBK ace. Both have helped form his journey from Moto3 upstart to Moto2 trailblazer.
The Türkiye Motosiklet Federasyonu referred to as the victory a “historic success,” and Turkish media exploded with pleasure. Social media lit up with posts lauding Öncü’s grit, precision, and nationwide symbolism.
Shaking up the standings
Öncü’s 25-point haul boosts him to seventh within the championship with 62 factors.
The title struggle is heating up: Manuel Gonzalez and Aron Canet are tied at 118 factors. Gonzalez charged from 18th to ninth after a qualifying crash; Canet pale to sixth.
Moreira’s runner-up end locations him third total with 90 factors, simply forward of Baltus (89). Joe Roberts (82 factors) sits fifth after a P7 end. Senna Agius and Filip Salač, ending fourth and fifth respectively, stay darkish horses.
While Öncü isn’t but within the title hunt, his Aragon win hints at what’s to return – with confidence mounting and the Kalex below him, he’s poised for extra fireworks.
Comeback cast in ache
This triumph marks a outstanding rebound for Öncü. After a rocky Moto2 debut in 2024 and a fractured hand that sidelined him for 3 rounds, he returned stronger. His third-place end at Aragon final 12 months was a turning level; now, he’s a winner.
The Red Bull KTM Ajo crew has backed him totally, pairing him with rookie Collin Veijer and handing him the reins after parting with Celestino Vietti.
Öncü’s aggressive model fits the Kalex chassis, and Aragon proved he can outwit veterans and fellow rising stars alike.
Source: www.dailysabah.com