Jorge Martin and Tetsuta Nagashima complete the first Free Practice sessions of the Teruel Grand Prix and the Spaniard provisionally qualifies for tomorrow’s Q2.

The Teruel Grand Prix got underway this Friday and the Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2 team enjoyed a productive time on track in FP1 and FP2. Jorge Martin and Tetsuta Nagashima picked up from where they left off at last weekend’s Aragon GP, focusing on getting a better setup and greater confidence. The Spaniard took a big step forward in the afternoon session and made his way provisionally into Q2, finishing sixth on the combined timesheets. His teammate occupied 21st place.

The Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2 pair started the day with a 40-minute Free Practice, which allowed them to test their feeling at the Aragonese track after last Sunday’s race. Martin took FP1 calmly, analysing previous data and gathering more information for the setup of his bike. On his final lap of 17, he stopped the clock at 1:53.662, taking him to 17th place. Nagashima continued to focus on regaining his confidence on-board the Red Bull KTM Ajo machine. The Japanese finished 23rd with a time of 1:53.906, putting in 17 laps.

Martin and Nagashima experienced an unusual FP2, which saw two red flags that forced the riders back to the pits for several minutes. The Spaniard had a solid final part of the session and, on the 16th lap of his 18, he set a personal best of 1:52.335. He ended the practice and the day in 6th place. Nagashima managed to ride nine tenths faster than in the morning, putting in a 1:52.977 time. The Japanese finished 21st and completed 20 laps.

The Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2 team will contest Free Practice 3 on Saturday, with Q1 at 3:50 pm and Q2 at 4:15 pm.

Results – FP1 & FP2
1. Sam Lowes (Kalex) 1:51.920
2. Jorge Navarro (Speed Up) 1:51.978 +0.058
3. Hector Garzo (Kalex) 1:52.180 +0.260
4. Fabio di Giannantonio (Speed Up) 1:52.209 +0.289
5. Joe Roberts (Kalex) 1:52.210 +0.290
6. Jorge Martin (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 1:52.335 +0.415
21. Tetsuta Nagashima (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 1:52.977 +1.057

88 JORGE MARTIN

“We can make a positive assessment of this Friday. In the morning, we didn’t quite find our way, as I lacked a bit of grip. In the afternoon, we made a change and I felt very good. I was able to be competitive with both the hard and soft tyre and we showed that we have a strong race pace. It will not be necessary to try much out in terms of the setup tomorrow, so I hope to have a great qualifying that allows us to fight in Sunday’s contest.”

45 TETSUTA NAGASHIMA

“My feeling today was good, even though the result was not the best. I am very clear about what we are lacking with respect to the riders at the front. If we can improve that tomorrow, I’m sure we can be fighting for the top positions. I also felt comfortable on the bike today in Free Practice, so on Saturday we have to keep on the same path.”