Collin Veijer claims first Moto2 podium after superb race in Portugal

Dutch rider Collin Veijer secured his first-ever Moto2 World Championship podium with a brilliant second-place finish at the Portuguese Grand Prix. After leading for much of the race, the Red Bull KTM Ajo rider missed out on victory by just 0.090 seconds, also setting the fastest lap of the race in the process.

Under ideal conditions at Portimão – 24°C air temperature and 50% humidity – Veijer made a strong start, moving into second place as the lights went out and immediately chasing series leader Diogo Moreira. By Lap 3, the Dutchman made his move and took the lead, heading a Moto2 race for the first time in his career. His impressive pace gradually reduced the front group to just three riders: Veijer, Moreira, and David Alonso.

Past the halfway mark, Veijer opened up a gap of up to eight tenths of a second over Moreira, demonstrating excellent rhythm and control. However, as tyre management became crucial in the closing stages, Moreira closed back in and made his move to take the lead. Despite arm fatigue, Veijer fought hard to stay close, holding off both Alonso and Aron Canet and mounting a final attack in the last sector. In the end, he crossed the line just 0.090 seconds behind the winner, taking a richly deserved first Moto2 podium.

Collin Veijer: “The start wasn’t perfect, but I managed to recover one position at the end of the straight, so I was happy with that. After that, I could overtake Diogo and we showed great pace at the front. The tyres didn’t show much degradation, so I really enjoyed riding today. With six laps to go, I started to lose some strength in my right arm, so it was difficult to keep the same rhythm. I tried to stay in P1, but Diogo passed me. On the last corner, I tried to get as close as possible, but I didn’t have enough slipstream to take the win. Still, P2 and my first Moto2 podium — I’m really happy with this weekend. We made a big step and I’m very proud of the whole team for their great work.”

With the 20 points earned in Portimão, Veijer now has 84 points in total and moves up to 15th in the World Championship standings.