Red Bull KTM Ajo rider takes fastest time in each of the two free practice sessions this Friday at Sachsenring. Karel Hanika completes the day in sixteenth position.

With the Assen race long forgotten, Jack Miller and Karel Hanika came to the Sachsenring prepared to start the German Grand Prix from scratch. The current leader of the Moto3 World Championship threw down the gauntlet to his rivals on Friday, topping both sessions and ending the day 0.225s ahead of his nearest rival. Red Bull KTM Ajo teammate Karel Hanika was sixteenth in the combined timesheet and lowered his best time in the afternoon by more than half a second.

Less than ten minutes was all it took Jack Miller to show his skill at the German track, topping the timesheet early in the morning session. Comfortable on his KTM, the Australian continually lowered his best lap, finally clocking a 1:27:770 and becoming the only rider to lap in under 1:28. Karel Hanika also started well, reaching the Top 10 with a final lap of 1:28.692.

In the afternoon Miller did not want to rest on his laurels, and on his last outing he established an excellent pace –riding 1:27 laps. His best was  a 1:27.302, more than 2 tenths of a second quicker than anyone else. Hanika also waited until the final stint to improve his time, claiming sixteenth with a 1:28.297.

On Saturday afternoon at 12.35pm, qualifying takes place for the German Grand Prix. This year Miller has taken a total of four pole positions –most recently at the Dutch TT.

Results (Combined practice time FP1-FP2)
1. Jack  Miller (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 1.27.302
2. Alexis Masbou (Honda) 1:27.557 +0.255
3. Danny Kent (Red Bull Husqvarna Ajo) 1:27.664 +0.362
4. Efren Vazquez (Honda) 1:27.721 +0.419
5. Niccolo Antonelli (KTM) 1:27.906 +0.604
16. Karel Hanika (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 1:28.297 +0.995

Jack Miller >> Audio (solely for radio use)

“We felt very comfortable with the bike from the beginning. We have made many changes, and with every configuration we felt comfortable. Let’s see how we go tomorrow and how we can setup the bike ready for the race. Now we will focus on FP3 and see if the weather stays good, like it was this afternoon.

In the morning we started well, we had a good setup and have made some more changes, but the bike worked much the same –although in some places better than others. We have to continue working with the front end feeling, but overall the bike is working very well –especially the rear tyre. Also the acceleration, for example. We are working hard to have a good base.”

Karel Hanika >> Audio (solely for radio use)

“This track is not one of those that suits me best. We started quite well in the first practice session, just doing laps to remember what the track was like. In the second session we concentrated on worn tyres –it is very important at this track, because the race lasts 27 laps and tyre wear is key. We have tried to handle this, but I had trouble setting a good time. In the end I did, although not as good as we wanted. Anyway, we were not too far away from Jack [Miller] and the other riders. I think tomorrow we can ride even faster and have a good qualifying session.”