First race of the year, first podium of the season for Aron Canet and the Fantic Racing Lino Sonego Team in Thailand—an important result to kick off the 2025 World Championship in the best way. A strong start also for Barry Baltus, who finished sixth in his debut race with Fantic.
The 2025 Moto2 season got underway at the Chang International Circuit in Buriram, with the Fantic Racing Lino Sonego riders immediately playing a key role.
In qualifying, both secured a Top 5 spot, with Canet in third and Baltus in fifth.
The race was full of excitement. Aron Canet didn’t get the perfect start but remained calm. With the scorching heat in Thailand, keeping a cool head and managing the pace well was crucial, making the most of every opportunity during the race. Canet did just that, avoiding unnecessary risks and securing an important second place for the championship standings. With so many races ahead, maximizing every result without taking excessive risks will be key.
Making his debut with the Italian team, young Belgian talent Barry Baltus immediately stood out. After showing great speed throughout the weekend, he delivered a strong and consistent race. Although he couldn't fully capitalise on his second-row start, Barry managed to recover positions and maintain a steady pace, eventually crossing the line in sixth place.
Aron Canet:
"I'm happy with today's race. We showed that we are competitive even on a challenging circuit like Buriram. We proved that we can fight for the title, but it's essential to stay calm. Let's enjoy the moment, but it will be a long championship, and we’ll need to stay focused to always give 100%. Last year, the championship was won by a rider who didn’t have the most victories, which shows how important it is to always score the maximum points without taking too many risks."
Barry Baltus:
"I’m happy with the race result. I was expecting a little bit more, but it’s still good. Now we know better where we need to work during the race. I’m also happy with the team’s strong result—second and sixth. I can’t wait to be in Argentina and get back on the bike."
Roberto Locatelli, Fantic Racing Lino Sonego Team Manager:
"It was a fantastic race for the whole team. We told Aron to stay calm, and he did that, securing an important second place. On other tracks, we’ll aim for victory, but consistency is what really matters. It was also a great race for Baltus—his sixth-place finish rewards the hard work of the entire team, demonstrates the strength of the group, and as a Team Manager makes me very proud."
