A weekend to remember: Fantic Racing Lino Sonego delivered a memorable performance in Le Mans, placing both Barry Baltus and Aron Canet on the podium, and extending the lead in the Moto2 Team Championship standings.
Team Fantic Racing Lino Sonego made history today in its road racing journey, claiming its first-ever double podium in the Moto2 World Championship. On the legendary Bugatti Circuit in Le Mans, Barry Baltus crossed the line in second place, followed by teammate Aron Canet in third.
The momentum was already building on Saturday, when the Fantic Racing Lino Sonego Team showed its full potential in qualifying: 21-year-old Belgian talent Barry Baltus secured a front row start with the second fastest time (1’34.642) after advancing from Q1, while Aron Canet — pole-sitter at Le Mans in 2024 — clocked a 1’34.671 to take fifth on the grid.
Today’s race confirmed the excellent form of both Fantic riders. Baltus, starting from the front row, lost a few positions at the start but quickly responded. By lap 3, he had fought his way into third, and on lap 8 he overtook Moreira to take second place. He maintained a blistering pace on par with race winner Gonzalez, and the duo finished with over a four-second gap to the rest of the field. Baltus also recorded the fastest lap of the race in 1’34.941, earning his second consecutive podium after Jerez.
Aron Canet, after a difficult start that dropped him to tenth, quickly found his rhythm. By lap 10, he had moved into the top five, and with seven laps to go, he secured third place. A strong and strategic performance from the Spaniard, who now solidifies his second position in the overall standings — just 16 points behind the leader.
With 36 points scored today, Fantic Racing Lino Sonego extends its lead in the team standings, now sitting 18 points clear of its nearest rival.
Barry Baltus:
“I’m really happy about my race today. Back to back podiums is really difficult in this category. We are working really good with the team. We are in a good mood and we have to continue like this but we know we can improve in certain areas. I gave it all to do my best because here in France it feels like a home GP for me. I’m happy to share the podium with my teammate Aron Canet. Thanks to everyone for the support.”
Aron Canet:
“I did a very good race, but I’m not happy for the podium or the result. I’m happy for what we did yesterday on the bike because my feeling is back and also the performance. Thanks to all the Fantic Racing Lino Sonego Team, now I’m super confident and I can’t wait for the next race.”
Roberto Locatelli, Fantic Racing Lino Sonego Team Manager:
“A great day for the entire Fantic Racing Lino Sonego Team. In only our third year of Fantic Motor's participation in the Moto2 World Championship, we find ourselves with two riders on the podium and highly competitive — it’s an indescribable emotion. Baltus has been fast since the very first free practice session. He confirmed his pace in qualifying and delivered a great race today. Scoring a podium in Moto2 is never easy, and doing it in back-to-back races shows the level he has reached along with the entire team. With Canet, we made some adjustments to his bike before qualifying to improve his feeling, and it worked. He also had a fantastic race and we’re really happy. Now we want to keep this momentum going in Silverstone, where we reached a podium last year. Thanks once again to everyone who makes it possible for us to be competitive.”
