KTM Ajo’s Raul Fernandez cruised to a calm and conquering COTA win on Sunday as the rookie claimed the Red Bull Moto2 GP of the Americas.

Fabio di Giannantonio returned to the intermediate class podium for the first time since Jerez, in second, with Marco Bezzecchi completing the celebrations in third. Six-time American champion Cameron Beaubier claimed his debut top five result on the world stage after a stunning ride in front of his home support.

Moto2 got underway 10 minutes later than planned after the chaos of Moto3’s two red flags. Fernandez launching from pole alongside KTM Ajo teammate Remy Gardner and Di Giannantonio.

Bezzecchi and Beaubier gained a place each at the start as Di Giannantonio dropped to fifth at the opening corner, the Italian regrouping and returning to third by halfway round. The home talent was on form, however, as he claimed fourth from Bezzecchi in the final sector, to the delight of the US fans.

Fernandez maintained his lead as his fellow KTM came under attack, first Di Giannantonio then Beaubier sliding past, the Californian briefly taking second as he too began to dance with the Gresini rider.

Never down for long, the Australian was back on the charge as the second lap completed, demoting Beaubier back to fourth as he retuned to the podium, his pace increasing as he got into the groove.

A difficult race start found Sam Lowes down in 23rd by the end of lap three, Jake Dixon circulating in 14th as his Petronas teammate improved inside the top 10.

Beaubier was back in podium contention after a mistake sent Di Giannantonio wide, Bezzecchi, Tony Arbolino and Xavi Vierge trailing the Italian as Tom Luthi crashed out. The crowd going wild as their home hero briefly returned to second before Gardner lunged back. The leader released by the battle behind, with Fernandez now holding over a one-second advantage.

The Italians capitalised as Beaubier made a mistake at turn 11, Di Giannantonio and Bezzecchi taking their chances to drop the American Racing man back to fifth. The second stars and stripes machine of Marcos Ramirez circulated in 10th after six laps of action, Ai Ogura and Augusto Fernandez ahead.

Gardner’s race came to an early end at turn 15 as the title leader suffered his first mistake of 2021, his rookie teammate now running 2.2 seconds ahead of the rest of the field. Hector Garzo the next to be punished by the technical track, running off at turn 12.

Lowes was running 18th by the midway stage before he began to drop back, running 24th until the electronics issue brought the Brit’s race to an end and he entered the pits. Dixon heading in the opposite direction as he improved to 11th.

Arbolino attempted to better the local rider at turn 14 but Beaubier hit back immediately, the Liqui Moly machine sweeping wide at the next turn as he was demoted to sixth. The advancing Augusto Fernandez claiming the American for fourth next time around.

Albert Arenas crashed out, clearly in pain on the exit of the final corner as the 12th lap concluded.

Dixon entered the top 10 with six laps to go, the Brit circulating just two behind his Petronas teammate with Ramirez sandwiched between the pair, albeit two-seconds adrift. Marcel Schrotter retired his Intact GP into the pits with Celestino Vietti crashing out at turn two with just four laps remaining.

The closing laps saw Fernandez cruising around the 5.5km circuit, almost three-seconds clear, for his seventh victory of 2021 and the 10th podium of his debut Moto2 season. Di Giannantonio and Bezzecchi looking equally safe in the final podium positions despite the solo Marc VDS machine pushing hard to bring himself into contention as the flag approached. It wasn’t to be however, and Fernandez completed the 18-lap race in fourth, one-second ahead of the impressive local rookie. The delighted fans showing their appreciation as Beaubier crossed the line for his first top five finish.

Arbolino took sixth from Ogura, Vierge and the second American Racing rider, Ramirez, with Dixon completing the top 10. Joe Roberts suffering a disappointing home showing, from 18th.

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