Raul Fernandez fastest on Friday at Catalan Grand Prix

25/09/2020

The Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto3 rider heads the combined FP1 and FP2 timesheets, with Kaito Toba 10th.

 

The Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto3 team once again demonstrated their potential on the opening day of a Grand Prix weekend this Friday, leading the way as the Catalan round got started. Raul Fernandez was the fastest competitor, topping the timesheets in FP1. It was the 21st session that he has led this year, a fact that illustrates his dominance. Teammate Kaito Toba carried over his good feeling on his KTM bike from last contest, finishing 10th overall from the first two practices. These results provisionally put both riders into Q2.

For the third time this year, Fernandez went quickest in FP1. His early marker of 1:48.853 was the only time under 1:49 in the session and he was almost 4 tenths faster than his nearest rival. The Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto3 rider completed a total of 14 laps of the Catalan track, while Toba put in 15. The Japanese confirmed the step forward he took at the most recent round and was eventually eighth with a 1:49.626.

FP2 was a more tough session, due to the strong wind that caused several riders to crash. Fernandez took the first part of the practice with caution after an initial scare, but with 15 minutes remaining he pushed hard to move to the top of the timesheets. The Spaniard placed fifth with a time of 1:49.935, from a total of 12 laps. Toba gained further experience with his 12 laps, although his 1:51.280 was only enough for 28th.

Tomorrow morning sees one last Free Practice, before qualifying for the Catalan GP takes place. Q1 will start at 12:35 pm, followed by Q2 at 1 pm local time.

 

Results – FP1 & FP2
1. Raul Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 1:48.853

2. Jaume Masia (Honda) 1:49.134 +0.281
3. Romano Fenati (Husqvarna) 1:49.243 +0.390
4. Tony Arbolino (Honda) 1:49.262 +0.409
5. Darryn Binder (KTM) 1:49.418 +0.565
10. Kaito Toba (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 1:49.626 +0.773

 

25 RAUL FERNANDEZ

“I’m happy with how today went. Nevertheless, we have to continue working to fine-tune some details, especially with the rear of the bike. Tomorrow we will look for a good position on the grid so that we won’t have problems at the start on Sunday. We are going to do our best, both the team and I, to make that possible.”

27 KAITO TOBA

“It was not a bad beginning to the weekend. In FP1 we performed well and in the second half of the session I started to feel strong. In the FP2, I struggled a bit more because of the wind. However, this afternoon we will work hard in preparation for tomorrow, with the aim of achieving a good grid position.”

 

 

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