The Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2 rider finishes just 36 thousandths of a second off pole, as his teammate qualifies 18th after suffering a crash in Q2.

After a solid opening day, Jorge Martin carried his good feeling into Saturday and claimed second on the grid for the Austrian Grand Prix. The Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2 rider was just 36 thousandths of a second off pole position. Teammate, Tetsuta Nagashima, had a tough day, with a crash in Q2 as the Japanese qualified 18th.

The track was practically dry for FP3, after morning rainfall. A crash at the start of the session forced Tetsuta Nagashima back into the pits. However the Japanese rider went back out and finished ninth fastest, with a time of 1:29.187 from 10 laps completed. Jorge Martin took the last free practice calmly, putting in a steady 21 laps to finish 21st with a 1:29.566.

Both Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2 riders went straight into Q2, thanks to their Free Practice form. Jorge Martin was very competitive, leading the timesheets sporadically. Finally, the Spaniard set the second fastest time of 1:28.717, taking a spot on the front row. Tetsuta Nagashima will be on Row 6 after qualifying 18th, clocking a 1:29.187 lap. The Japanese rider had another crash, 5 minutes into the session, bringing his push to an early end.

The 25-lap Moto2 Austrian Grand Prix takes place at 12:20 pm local time on Sunday at the Red Bull Ring.

Results – QP
1. Remy Gardner (Kalex) 1:28.681
2. Jorge Martin (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 1:28.717 +0.036
3. Marcel Schrotter (Kalex) 1:28.745 +0.064
4. Enea Bastianini (Kalex) 1:28.808 +0.127
5. Aron Canet (Speed Up) 1:28.814 +0.133
18. Tetsuta Nagashima (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 1:29.187

88 JORGE MARTIN

“I am very happy with the pace that we have for the race. We set a good lap in qualifying this afternoon and we were close to getting on pole. Overall, it was a very positive day and I am satisfied with the work we have done. We are prepared to fight for victory tomorrow.”

45 TETSUTA NAGASHIMA

“We found qualifying hard today. The important thing is that we are ok; we know what the problem is and where we have to improve. We are not that far behind the leaders, although tomorrow we will start from 18th. I will push my hardest from the start and do my best to fight for a good result.”