Jake Dixon dominates Argentina Moto2 GP with commanding win

Jake Dixon secures a dominant victory at Termas de Rio Hondo, with Gonzalez and Vietti completing the podium.

Jake Dixon of Britain from the Moto2 Elf Marc VDS Racing Team poses with the trophy after winning the Moto2 race at the MotoGP of Argentina at Autodromo Termas de Rio Hondo in Rio Hondo, Argentina, on March 16, 2025. Photo by Gold & Goose/LAT Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

The 2025 Argentina Moto2 GP at the Termas de Rio Hondo Circuit saw Jake Dixon produce a masterclass performance, securing his first victory of the season in dominant fashion. The British rider took the lead on the opening lap and never looked back, crossing the finish line well ahead of his rivals. Manuel Gonzalez claimed second place, while Celestino Vietti secured the final podium spot after a fierce battle with Aron Canet.

Dixon seizes control from the start

Manuel Gonzalez, who had secured pole position, was unable to convert his advantage into a race win. As the lights went out, Dixon, starting from second on the grid, made an aggressive move on the opening lap to snatch the lead. His early attack paid off as he quickly built a gap while chaos unfolded behind him.

One of the early casualties was Adrian Huertas, whose race ended abruptly after a crash at Turn 2. Meanwhile, Filip Salac briefly took second from Gonzalez, but the Spanish rider fought back by lap four to reclaim the position. However, Dixon had already stretched his lead to nearly half a second and showed no signs of slowing down.

Canet fights back as rivals struggle

Aron Canet, who endured a heavy crash in qualifying and started from 10th on the grid, made an incredible comeback. By the second lap, he had climbed into fifth, engaging in a tight battle with Marcos Ramirez for fourth place. Canet’s aggressive approach demonstrated his determination to secure a podium finish.

However, not all riders had the same fortune. Jorge Escrig, who had been running in a promising fourth position, gradually slipped down the order, eventually finding himself in 13th. Diogo Moreira also suffered a setback when his bike developed a technical issue on the fifth lap, forcing him to retire.

By the eighth lap, Dixon had extended his lead to nearly a second over Gonzalez. Salac, struggling to keep pace, started dropping back, leaving Dixon, Gonzalez, and Canet as the provisional top three contenders.

Late-race drama shakes up podium fight

The race took a dramatic turn on lap 11 when Salac and Ramirez collided. Salac lost control and crashed into the gravel, while Ramirez, despite losing part of his fairing, managed to continue. Race Direction reviewed the incident but ultimately deemed it a racing accident with no penalties issued.

Celestino Vietti, who had been steadily gaining ground, took advantage of the incident and moved closer to the front. By lap 14, he executed a decisive move on Canet, securing third place.

Meanwhile, Dixon remained untouchable at the front, increasing his lead to nearly two seconds over Gonzalez. Canet, unwilling to settle for fourth, launched another attack on Vietti during lap 15 and briefly reclaimed third place. However, Vietti responded with a counterattack and regained the position as the race neared its conclusion.

Dixon seals dominant victory

On the final lap, Dixon continued his flawless ride, maintaining a comfortable gap over Gonzalez. The Boscoscuro rider cruised across the finish line more than three seconds ahead, securing a commanding victory and marking a significant milestone in his 2025 Moto2 campaign.

Gonzalez crossed the line in second, securing his best result of the season so far. Vietti held on to third place despite relentless pressure from Canet, who had to settle for fourth after a hard-fought battle.

Jake Dixon rides during the Moto2 Argentina Grand Prix at the Termas de Rio Hondo circuit in Santiago del Estero, Argentina, on March 16, 2025. Photo by Luis Robayo/AFP

With this victory, Jake Dixon earned 25 crucial points in the 2025 Moto2 World Championship standings, further solidifying his status as a serious title contender. His dominant performance at Termas de Rio Hondo sends a strong message to his rivals as the season progresses.

Manuel Gonzalez’s second-place finish boosts his championship hopes, while Vietti’s consistency keeps him in the fight for the title. As the Moto2 season unfolds, the battle for the championship remains wide open, with Dixon’s latest triumph setting the stage for an intense fight in the upcoming rounds.