Moto2 World Championship leader Manuel Gonzalez faces the same fate as in 2025

Manuel Gonzalez was the tragic figure of the 2025 Moto2 World Championship: Following his disqualification in Indonesia through no fault of his own (incorrect electronics mapping had been uploaded), the Spaniard’s form collapsed; in the final stages of the World Championship, he was first overtaken by Diogo Moreira and ultimately finished 30 points behind him.

For the Memmingen-based team Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact, second place in the World Championship was certainly the greatest success in the team’s history, but it was still a bitter pill to swallow to have missed out on the big goal.

Gonzalez’s lead has shrunk to 3.5 points

With three races remaining in the 2026 World Championship, Gonzalez leads the standings, but his lead over Izan Guevara has shrunk to 3.5 points. After Assen at the end of June, Gonzalez was 57.5 points ahead of his compatriot; yet in the eight Grands Prix since then, Guevara has crossed the finish line ahead of him seven times. Gonzalez only managed to keep the upper hand with his victory at Misano.

Gonzalez was at a disadvantage heading into Sepang: following his crash on Friday, the 24-year-old was suffering from pain in his right foot and could only manage ninth on the grid, whilst Guevara started from third.

In the race, neither had a say in the battle for victory, which was claimed by David Alonso with a strong performance; Guevara and Gonzalez crossed the finish line in fourth and fifth place respectively.

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06.11.2026 - 10:55

Manu Gonzalez described the risk as “too great”

“From my point of view, it was an okay race; it was just about getting to the finish and holding on,” Gonzalez summarised. “I went into the race with total determination, overtook the riders in front of me well and felt strong under braking. The grip level was low, which wasn’t ideal for my riding style. So I tried to adapt and use the front tyre a bit more, but that was very risky. That’s why I tried to hold my position. It was far too risky to open the throttle more to close the gap to the riders in front of me, as I was too far behind. So I decided to stay calm and finish the race. Under these circumstances, a place in the top five isn’t too bad at all.”

According to Jürgen Lingg, that was the best that could be achieved

Intact team principal Jürgen Lingg analysed: “We knew it wouldn’t be easy. With these high temperatures and the demanding track conditions, having to start from the third row is an additional challenge. But Manu mastered that brilliantly too. At the start, he had to push his tyres a bit harder to work his way up the field, but he had the situation under control at all times and adjusted his riding style accordingly as the race progressed. It’s a well-deserved fifth place; more wasn’t possible. It was clear to see that lighter riders, who are close to the minimum weight, have a certain advantage in these conditions and with such high tyre wear. Given that Manu has been a bit shaken up since his crash on Friday, his performance is all the more remarkable.”