Celestino Vietti wins the #QatarGP, Antonelli 26th

Celestino Vietti wins the Qatar GP at the Losail International Circuit, the opening race of the 2022 season, for the Mooney VR46 Racing Team.

Starting on his Kalex from the pole position, Celestino immediately took the lead and imposed his pace. Thanks to a very constant and precise pace, in a few laps he brought the gap from his rivals to over two seconds and hit the fastest lap of the race (lap 6, 1’59.053). He crossed the finishing line after keeping the P1 for all the 20 laps with a gap of over six seconds on the second classified (A. Canet). With the points scored today, Celestino leads the general standings with 25 points.

Moto2 debut for Niccolò Antonelli who started from the P30. After a difficult start, step forward in the second half of the race when Niccolò picks up the pace of the front group and climbs up to the P26 position.

Next appointment in two weeks (20 March) at the Pertamina Mandalika Circuit for the Indonesian GP.

Celestino Vietti

The best victory I could hope for! I knew I was fast, but I didn’t think I had this pace and could do this kind of race. I gave it all, but I didn’t think I would be able to do this with the soft tyre. We knew there were a lot of fast riders, the plan was to start well and push hard since the first corner. Then I made two small mistakes in the middle of the race, but I tried to stay calm and close in the best possible way. I’m happy for the team too because they did a lot in the pre-season and for all those who have always believed in me. I couldn’t ask for more for the first race of the season and for the first Moto2 victory.

Niccolò Antonelli

At the end it wasn’t a bad race, a lot of experience in a new category and on a challenging track. We have a lot to work on with the whole team, they are giving their best for making a step forward. We continue to stay focused.