Strong performance earns Collin Veijer first podium of 2026 in Jerez

Collin Veijer finished third on Sunday in the Moto2 race at the Estrella Galicia 0,0 Spanish Grand Prix at the Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto. The Dutchman started from pole position, led the field for a long time and ultimately secured his first Moto2 podium of the season.

After variable conditions on Friday and Saturday, Sunday’s conditions were ideal. Under sunny and warm conditions, with a track temperature of 31°C and a humidity of 48%, Veijer made a strong start to the race. From pole he got off the line excellently. Although he briefly dropped to second place at the end of the straight, he regained the lead within the opening lap.

In the early stages of the race, the Red Bull KTM Ajo rider set the pace. After two laps, Veijer managed to build a small gap and put the field under pressure. A leading group of three riders quickly formed, who would fight for victory together. Veijer held firm and remained in the lead until lap 14, before being overtaken by two rivals from the German Intact GP team.

Despite staying within one second of the leaders, Veijer was unable to retake the lead. The Dutchman eventually crossed the finish line in third place, securing his first podium of the season – and his second in the Moto2 class. In the intermediate standings of the world championship, Veijer moves up to ninth place with 29.5 points.

Collin Veijer (#95): “Today I really had nothing left, I gave it everything. I am very satisfied with what we achieved, especially after a difficult weekend in America where we left without a result. I decided to push hard at the front, but when I was overtaken, I realised that the podium was the maximum achievable. The weekend has been very positive and we have also regained the momentum from the first two races. I am happy with how we managed this race and this Grand Prix weekend in Jerez. Now it is important to carry this into the upcoming European races.”

With a pole position and a third place, Veijer can look back on a very successful weekend in Jerez. The Moto2 riders now have a week off before the championship resumes at the Bugatti Circuit in Le Mans, where the next Grand Prix will take place from May 8 to 10.