Sergio García Dols to miss Moto2 Thailand opener after preseason injury

The Spanish rider undergoes surgery following a crash, putting his championship hopes on hold.

Sergio Garcia of Spain during the Moto2 qualifying practice at Twin Ring Motegi on October 5, 2024, in Motegi, Japan. Photo by Mirco Lazzari/Getty Images

By Randy Ahmad and Adila Ghina

One of Spain’s brightest hopes for the 2025 Moto2 championship, Sergio García Dols, has suffered a major setback. The young rider, who finished fourth in the intermediate category last season, will not be present at the Moto2 opener in Thailand due to a preseason crash that resulted in a serious injury. García Dols underwent surgery, and it remains unclear if his MSi Racing Team will field a replacement for the first race of the year.

The injury is a devastating blow for García Dols, who was widely regarded as a strong contender for the Moto2 title this season. The Spaniard led the championship for multiple rounds in 2023 before a combination of inconsistent results and uncertainty over his future prospects saw him slip down the standings. Although he was linked to a potential move to Pramac Yamaha, the team ultimately chose Jack Miller, leaving García Dols to remain in Moto2 for another year. Now, his campaign is off to a troubled start before the season has even begun.

Crash and injury details

The incident occurred during the final day of Moto2 preseason testing in Jerez. As riders wrapped up their preparations, García Dols suffered a heavy fall that resulted in a fracture of the fourth metacarpal in his right hand. The injury required immediate medical attention, and the MSi Racing Team quickly confirmed that García Dols had undergone surgery at the Quirón Dexeus clinic, performed by renowned surgeon Dr. Mir.

With recovery expected to take several weeks, García Dols will miss the first round in Thailand, a crucial race for setting the tone of the season. His absence not only impacts his title ambitions but also leaves a gap in the MSi Racing Team’s lineup. As of now, the team has not announced a replacement, raising speculation about whether they will compete with just one rider in the opening race.

The loss of García Dols is a significant development for the Moto2 championship, where the competition is expected to be fierce. The Spaniard was considered one of the primary challengers for the title alongside riders such as Arón Canet, Barry Baltus, and Manu González. Canet, in particular, has shown impressive form throughout the preseason, setting the fastest time in Jerez with a 1:39.552 lap.

The setback for García Dols gives his rivals an early advantage in the championship battle. Canet’s strong pace in testing positions him as a key favorite heading into Thailand, while Baltus and González have also demonstrated strong performances. Without García Dols in the mix for the first round, the balance of power in Moto2 could shift significantly.

García Dols' title aspirations

Despite the setback, García Dols remains one of the most promising riders in Moto2. His performances last season showcased his ability to compete at the highest level, and his consistency allowed him to remain in the title fight for much of the year. However, the uncertainty surrounding his future in MotoGP led to distractions that ultimately contributed to his fourth-place finish in 2024.

García Dols has been riding for MSi Racing Team, which won the Moto2 title with Ai Ogura. The team has proven its ability to develop championship-winning riders, and García Dols was expected to continue that legacy in 2025. However, missing the season opener means he will have to play catch-up when he returns to the grid.

While García Dols focuses on recovery, other Moto2 teams are making their final preparations for the opening round. The preseason has highlighted several strong contenders, with Arón Canet emerging as the standout performer. The Spanish rider has consistently been among the fastest in testing and appears ready to challenge for race wins.

His teammate Barry Baltus has also shown promising pace, making the pair a formidable duo heading into the season. Meanwhile, Manu González has quietly impressed, posting competitive lap times and positioning himself as a dark horse in the championship fight.

For MSi Racing Team, the immediate focus will be on deciding whether to field a replacement for García Dols or compete with a single entry in Thailand. The team has several options, including promoting a reserve rider or bringing in an experienced stand-in for the first race. However, no official decision has been made.

Promising signs for Ángel Piqueras

While García Dols’ injury is a major setback for MSi Racing Team, the squad has reason to be optimistic about its prospects in the lower categories. Ángel Piqueras, the team’s newest signing, has enjoyed an outstanding preseason and is already being tipped as a title contender. The young Spaniard, who shone as a rookie in 2024 with Leopard Racing, has continued his upward trajectory and looks set for a breakthrough year.

Piqueras’ strong preseason performances have bolstered the team’s confidence, even as they deal with the loss of García Dols in Moto2. His progression will be closely watched as the season unfolds, and MSi Racing Team will be hoping he can deliver strong results to offset the challenges faced in the intermediate class.

With the Moto2 season about to begin, the absence of Sergio García Dols leaves a major question mark over the championship fight. His recovery timeline remains uncertain, and his return date will depend on how quickly he can regain full fitness. Meanwhile, rivals like Arón Canet, Barry Baltus, and Manu González will look to capitalize on his absence and gain an early advantage in the title race.

For MSi Racing Team, the immediate priority will be adjusting to life without one of their top riders. Whether they choose to bring in a replacement or wait for García Dols’ return, the team faces a challenging start to the season. However, with promising talent like Ángel Piqueras in their ranks, the team remains hopeful for success across all categories.

The opening round in Thailand will set the tone for the 2025 Moto2 season, and with García Dols temporarily sidelined, the spotlight shifts to his competitors. The question now is whether he can recover in time to mount a serious title challenge upon his return.