Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto3 start Czech Grand Prix in top form
07/08/2020Kaito Toba and Raul Fernandez complete FP1 and FP2 in 2nd and 3rd position, respectively, on the combined timesheets.
The Czech Grand Prix kicked off on Friday with two Free Practice sessions for the Moto3 field. Red Bull KTM Ajo talent Kaito Toba finished the day second on the combined timesheets, despite suffering a small crash in the afternoon. His teammate, Raul Fernandez, topped the order in FP2 for third overall. The results from Day 1 take both riders provisionally into Q2.
The Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto3 pair enjoyed a good first session, setting the pace for much of FP1. Kaito Toba took a notable step forward at the start of the Czech Grand Prix weekend, placing second – just 1 tenth behind the fastest rider – through a 2:08.718. Just behind, in third position, teammate Raul Fernandez stopped the clock at 2:08.839. Both completed 13 laps each in the practice.
In FP2, amidst hotter temperatures, Raul Fernandez continued his strong form and was the best rider in the afternoon run out. His 2:09.097 was set on his final attempt of a total of 11. Kaito Toba crashed 13 minutes into the session when going into Turn 10, denying him some valuable track time, but he would escape unhurt and go back out, setting a 2:10.018 from 8 laps in total and placing 14th.
The Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto3 riders are provisionally into Q2, with only FP3 remaining tomorrow morning before qualifying. Q1 for the Czech Grand Prix kicks off at 12:35 pm CEST, with Q2 at 1 pm.
Results – FP1 & FP2
1. Gabriel Rodrigo (Honda) 2:08.612
2. Kaito Toba (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 2:08.718 +0.106
3. Raul Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 2:08.839 +0.227
4. Dennis Foggia (Honda) 2:09.123 +0.511
5. Jaume Masia (Honda) 2:09.364 +0.752
25 RAUL FERNANDEZ
“It was a positive day. Usually this year we have been performing very well on Fridays. Regardless of the position on the timesheets, which is positive, we have done a great job with our focus on Sunday’s race. I felt comfortable with the bike today and, furthermore, I set my best time riding alone. We have to keep fine-tuning some things to take another step forward tomorrow, but the important thing is that we have a good setup already.”
27 KAITO TOBA
“I’m happy with how the weekend has begun for us. We have to continue working, as we are still in need of improvement with some aspects. I will try to lower my lap time a little more tomorrow in FP3, in order to keep my provisional spot in Q2. I hope that we can have a good qualifying, as both my team and I feel good here.”