David Alonso Secures Moto2 Pole at COTA with Record-Breaking Lap

CFMOTO Power Electronics Aspar Team rider's first Moto2 pole position signals a shift in the championship battle

Mar. 28, 2026 at 9:24pm

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David Alonso of the CFMOTO Power Electronics Aspar Team secured his first career Moto2 pole position at the Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas, setting a new all-time lap record at the Circuit of the Americas. This achievement highlights Alonso's rapid adaptation to the Moto2 class following his 2024 Moto3 World Championship victory, and suggests a potential reshaping of the competitive landscape within the intermediate category.

Why it matters

Alonso's pole position and record-breaking lap time not only mark a personal milestone, but also signal a potential shift in the balance of power within Moto2. The fact that championship leader Daniel Holgado, also of the CFMOTO team, had to navigate Q1 highlights the increasing unpredictability of the series, with newer riders like Angel Piqueras and Barry Baltus challenging the established order.

The details

Alonso's qualifying lap of 2:05.203 set a new all-time lap record at the Circuit of the Americas, underscoring the effectiveness of the CFMOTO chassis and the young rider's adaptation to the Moto2 class. Beyond Alonso's success, the qualifying results reveal a surge in performance from newer riders, with Angel Piqueras earning his best Moto2 qualifying result in P4 and Barry Baltus securing a front-row start for the first time this year.

  • David Alonso set the new lap record during Moto2 qualifying on March 28, 2026.

The players

David Alonso

A 21-year-old Spanish rider competing for the CFMOTO Power Electronics Aspar Team in the Moto2 World Championship. He secured his first career Moto2 pole position at the 2026 Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas.

Daniel Holgado

The current Moto2 championship leader, also riding for the CFMOTO Power Electronics Aspar Team. He had to navigate Q1 during qualifying, highlighting the increasing unpredictability of the series.

Angel Piqueras

A Moto2 rider who earned his best qualifying result of the season, starting in 4th position at the 2026 Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas.

Barry Baltus

A Moto2 rider competing for the REDS Fantic Racing team, who secured a front-row start for the first time this year at the 2026 Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas.

CFMOTO Power Electronics Aspar Team

The Moto2 team that fields riders David Alonso and Daniel Holgado, and has a long-term partnership with CFMOTO extending through 2031.

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What they’re saying

“This is a huge achievement for me and the team. We've been working hard, and to set a new lap record at this circuit is just incredible.”

— David Alonso, Rider, CFMOTO Power Electronics Aspar Team

What’s next

All eyes will be on the Moto2 race on Sunday, March 29th at 13:15 local time, as Alonso looks to convert his pole position into a race victory and further close the gap in the championship standings.

The takeaway

David Alonso's pole position and record-breaking lap time at the 2026 Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas highlight his rapid adaptation to the Moto2 class and signal a potential shift in the competitive landscape of the intermediate category. The increasing competitiveness of newer riders and the long-term commitment of the CFMOTO team suggest an exciting season ahead in Moto2.