Manuel Gonzalez shines in Moto2 pre-season test at Jerez

The Intact GP rider sets an impressive pace ahead of the 2025 season.

Manuel Gonzalez of Spain and QJMOTOR Gresini Moto2 prepares on the grid before the Moto2 race at the MotoGP of Japan at Twin Ring Motegi on October 6, 2024, in Motegi, Japan. Photo by Mirco Lazzari/Getty Images

By Hayu Andini and Adila Ghina

Manuel Gonzalez delivered a standout performance during the Moto2 pre-season test at Jerez, proving that the Intact GP team is a contender for the 2025 season. The Spanish rider was among the few able to challenge the top competitors, including Fantic’s Barry Baltus and Aron Canet.

Gonzalez, a newcomer to the Intact GP Moto2 squad, adapted quickly to the Kalex chassis. His strong form was evident in private testing at Portimao, where he finished third fastest, giving his team a strong indication of his potential. However, it was at Jerez where he truly demonstrated his capabilities.

Breaking barriers at Jerez

During the second day of testing at the Spanish circuit, Gonzalez became the first Moto2 rider to break the 1:40 mark. He ended the test in third place overall, clocking an impressive personal best of 1:39.597.

“It was a really strong test for us,” Gonzalez stated. “We worked a lot with the soft rear tyre, and our pace was consistently fast. In the morning, we did a longer run on used tyres to evaluate rear grip, and it felt really strong. I felt very comfortable on the bike.”

The Spanish rider praised his team's progress throughout the five-day pre-season, noting that while they had made significant improvements, there were still areas to refine before the season opener.

Areas for improvement before the season start

“Corner entry is one of the areas we still need to improve,” Gonzalez acknowledged. “But overall, the bike performed exceptionally well. We developed a setup that works effectively across all tyre options and in different temperatures. I believe we are more than ready for Thailand.”

Gonzalez also emphasized the importance of confidence as the season approaches. “The most important thing is that my confidence is now at 100%—no more, because exceeding that can lead to mistakes and crashes. I feel great, not just with the bike but also with the team. I’m really looking forward to the first race weekend.”

Team confidence grows ahead of the 2025 season

Intact GP team manager Jürgen Lingg expressed his satisfaction with the team’s overall performance during testing. “The fact that we had good weather conditions for both tests, apart from half a day, worked in our favor. We were able to follow our test program as planned. From the beginning, we focused on race pace, running a lot on used tyres rather than targeting outright lap times.”

Gonzalez’s Australian teammate, Senna Agius, also showed promise, finishing ninth overall with a fastest lap of 1:40.193. With both riders demonstrating strong pace, the Intact GP team aims to challenge consistently for top positions in the 2025 Moto2 season.

Despite Fantic being the early favorites, Gonzalez and the Intact GP team are confident they can be competitive from the start of the season. With the first race in Thailand fast approaching, the team is determined to build on their pre-season success and fight for podium finishes throughout the year.