Aron Canet didn’t feel fully comfortable in Moto2 qualifying for the French Grand Prix, and will start tomorrow’s race from 17th, while Deniz Öncü will launch from 21st. 

The historic Bugatti Circuit at Le Mans was bathed in sunshine for a second straight day with Moto2 qualifying taking place in ambient temperatures of 23 degrees.

All weekend the competition has been fierce. This was witnessed in Q2, as a measly 0.665s covered all 18 riders.

The fifth Moto2 race of 2026 gets underway tomorrow at 12.15 local time and will be run over 22 laps.

Aron Canet, 17th – 1’34.536 

Aron was enjoying a strong start to FP2 and was in the midst of a strong run of consistent laps when he tipped off at Turn 7.

Thankfully the Spaniard was OK and soon returned to track. He was then able to finish 13th in the session.

In Q2 thanks to his best Friday of the year, the 26-year old was just 0.6s off Izan Guevara’s pole time yet found himself in 17th. Aron is still confident of fighting through for a strong result on Sunday.

“I didn’t show my full potential out there during qualifying” 

Aron’s comments:

“I’m not super happy to be honest. I didn’t show my full potential out there during qualifying like I did this morning. I just struggled a little to turn the bike. And when the temperature goes up it seems to affect us more. Let’s see tomorrow. Our pace is quite good so I’m confident of gaining some places and aiming for a solid result. Let’s try and make it happen!” 

Deniz Öncü, 21st – 1’34.757 

Deniz enjoyed a highly promising FP2. While he was only 17th fastest, the Turkish rider posted a consistent 19-lap run, and set his quickest lap on the penultimate circuit.

In Q1, the 22-year old started strongly, posting a 1’34.773 on his third flying lap. Feeling there was more time out there, Deniz was confident of improvements in his second run.

Despite lowering his personal best in the session in his second run, Deniz placed 7th and couldn’t pass through to Q2.

“We are doing small steps every time we’re going on track” 

Deniz’s comments:

“We’ve finished qualifying day here in Le Mans. We are doing small steps every time we’re going on track. We are getting closer to the front. Of course, we’re still not in the place where we belong, or where we want to be. But we need to keep calm and continue working and understanding where we can improve. We’ll keep pushing. Let’s see what the weather is like tomorrow and whether it will be wet or dry. Whatever the conditions are, we’ll be ready to push and give it our all.”