Ajo Motorsport rider completes first day of Catalan GP leading combined timesheet, thanks to morning lap.

The Catalan GP began with a very positive day for Johann Zarco. The current Moto2 World Championship leader started Friday by quickly taking the initiative, and was the only rider to go round in the 1:46’s on Day 1. In the afternoon, the Ajo Motorsport rider again shone, taking second position with used tyres.

An overcast sky and springtime temperatures welcomed the Moto2 riders to the Barcelona-Catalunya Circuit. Putting in 21 laps in just two stints, Johann Zarco quickly found a fast pace that allowed him to move high up on the timesheet. Consistent with his pace, the Frenchman closed FP1 in first place with a best lap of 1:46.941 –the only rider to breach the 1:47 barrier on Friday.

In the afternoon, with temperatures much higher than in the morning session, the Ajo Motorsport rider improved on each of his two stints. Located in the Top 5 for almost the entire session, Zarco shaved tenths off his lap times without the aid of new tyres. He completed the second session in second place, with a time of 1:47.144.

The qualifying session for the Moto2 Catalan GP will take place tomorrow at 3:05pm (local time). The main goal for Zarco is to qualify for the front row, a feat he has achieved for three of the six races held so far.

Results (Combined practice time FP1-FP2)
1. Johann Zarco (Kalex) 1:46.941
2. Sandro Cortese (Kalex) 1:47.127 +0.186
3. Sam Lowes (Speed Up) 1:47.189 +0.248
4. Jonas Folger (Kalex) 1:47.190 +0.249
5. Tito Rabat (Kalex) 1:47.196 +0.255

Johann Zarco,
“At Mugello we did well. We almost got the win, and I have been able to relax and get fully fit to fight for victory again in Barcelona. From the first lap this morning I rode fast. I like this track and enjoy riding here. The feeling is good and we are working to further improve and get steadily faster. Consistency is the most important thing in this category, and since last year we have improved greatly with managing our tyres. It’s a very good feeling, because I don’t have to fight with the bike. We have some things to improve for tomorrow in order to prepare well for Sunday, which is the most important day. We will try to get on the front row, because that is one of the keys for the race. It doesn’t make it easier, but it gives you more of a chance to fight for the victory.”