Collin Veijer takes first Moto2 pole in Jerez

Collin Veijer made history on Saturday in Jerez by taking his first pole position in the Moto2 class. The Red Bull KTM Ajo rider thus also becomes the first Dutch rider ever to achieve this in the intermediate class (Moto2) of the MotoGP World Championship.

Saturday at the Circuito de Jerez Ángel Nieto began under tricky conditions. Shortly before the start of FP2, the rain returned, with a track temperature of just 17°C and humidity of 92%. This resulted in a slippery track and limited grip. Collin Veijer opted for a controlled approach and did not take unnecessary risks. Nevertheless, he managed to stay around the top ten during the session. After a pit stop, he was able to further improve his pace and maintain contact with the leading group. With a best lap time of 1’55.536, he finished tenth after 15 laps.

In the afternoon, the weather cleared and conditions improved significantly. With a track temperature above 30°C and humidity below 60%, the Moto2 riders were able to qualify under ideal conditions. In Q2, Veijer showed his speed: with a series of strong laps, he managed to set the fastest time and thereby secure his first pole position in Moto2. An important milestone for both the rider and the Red Bull KTM Ajo team.

With pole position in his pocket, Veijer will start from the front of the grid on Sunday in the 21-lap Moto2 race. For Veijer’s team, this marks their first pole in a long time and an excellent starting position to fight for victory.

Collin Veijer:“It was a great day. This morning the feeling was still strange due to the slippery track, but in the afternoon we were able to qualify under good conditions. In Q2 we put in strong laps and eventually took pole. I felt good and the team did a fantastic job. Now we have to focus on the race, because it will not be easy. We want to fight at the front, so a good start is crucial.”

The Moto2 race of the Spanish Grand Prix will start on Sunday at 12:15 local time.