Ajo Motorsport rider takes the second fastest time in each of the first two practice sessions for the Grand Prix of The Americas.

The first day of the Grand Prix of The Americas in Austin provided two completely different practice sessions for the Moto2 riders. The first was contested in the wet, discount and the second in almost completely dry conditions. The challenge was risen to with aplomb by Johann Zarco, who took the second fastest time in both the morning and afternoon in a demonstration of his pace.

Just as he did two weeks ago in Qatar, only this time on a completely wet track, Johann Zarco started the Grand Prix with the second fastest lap of the day. Under heavy rain, the Frenchman was one of the riders setting the pace from the start, topping the timesheets on his third lap. Aware that the race may be held in the wet, Zarco put in as many kilometres as possible in the opening session. His best lap –a 2:26.645– came on his penultimate of 15.

In their second outing, the Moto2 field enjoyed 45 minutes on a completely dry surface. The Ajo Motorsport rider was just 0.096s off the quickest time from Friday, setting his best lap on his final time around.

Qualifying for the GP of The Americas takes place tomorrow from 3:05pm local time, to decide the second pole position of the season. Zarco will be looking to take a second consecutive front row start.

Results (Combined practice time FP1-FP2)
1. Sam Lowes (Speed Up) 2:10.563
2. Johann Zarco (Kalex) 2:10.659 +0.096
3. Tito Rabat (Kalex) 2:10.938 +0.375
4. Anthony West (Speed Up) 2:11.061 +0.498
5. Simone Corsi (Kalex) 2:11.401 +0.836

Johann Zarco,
“Today the first session was held in the wet, and it is the first time that we have ridden in such conditions in Austin. I finished second and rode well but I was not completely relaxed, so I tried to keep calm. In the second session, held in the dry, I found a good pace early on. I went fast right away, always looking to be consistent and feel how the bike was responding. Today ended very well -we have done a good job. I have every confidence in the team and I know that tomorrow we will find an even better setup. I have a good pace and I am very focused.”