Kaito Toba and Raul Fernandez qualify second and third, respectively, on the starting grid for the 14th and penultimate round of the 2020 season.

The changeable weather conditions at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit failed to slow down the Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto3 team, and they ended the day with both riders on the front row of the grid for the Valencia GP. Kaito Toba and Raul Fernandez were second and third, respectively, in Q2. For the Spaniard, it is the 10th time this season that he finished in the Top 3 on Saturday, whilst Toba equalled his best ever qualifying result.

The day started with the final Free Practice of the weekend, in which Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto3 resumed their intense work plan to find the best setup for their KTM bikes. However, after the first third of FP3, the appearance of rain meant that the two riders returned to the garage. Preferring to minimise risks, the duo stayed there until the end of the session. Despite the short time he spent on the track, Fernandez was able to finish 6th with a 1:39.754 – after completing six laps. Toba put in seven laps and placed 15th – 1:39.992.

The Red Bull KTM Ajo duo both went straight into Q2, thanks to their times from Friday. Fernandez remains the only rider in Moto3 to have avoided Q1 so far this season. Minutes before the start of the session, fine rain left the track in a delicate state. However, Toba adapted well to the conditions and claimed second – 1:38.329 -, equalling his best ever grid position. Joining him on the front row on Sunday will be teammate Fernandez, who finished in third – 1:38.447.

The Moto3 Valencia Grand Prix takes place tomorrow at 11 am local time. The 23-lap contest is the penultimate race of the 2020 season.

Results – QP
1. Darryn Binder (KTM) 1:38.286
2. Kaito Toba (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 1:38.329 +0.043
3. Raul Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 1:38.447 +0.161
4. Jaume Masia (Honda) 1:38.490 +0.204
5. Andrea Migno (KTM) 1:38.572 +0.286

25 RAUL FERNANDEZ

“It was a tough day, since in FP3 we couldn’t confirm if the changes we had made to the bike were working well or not. However, I am pleased to be back on the front row of the grid. I’m also happy for my teammate; we did a great job today.
The tyres were a bit cold on my last lap in Q2, and I was not able to push hard. Tomorrow morning, in the warm-up, we will try to take another step forward with our setup, to try to be stronger in the battle in the race. If we succeed with that, I am convinced that we will achieve a good result.”

27 KAITO TOBA
“We had to face some tough track conditions today, as it started to rain before the qualifying. However, in the end the circuit was in better shape than I thought before the session, so I tried to regain my motivation and do my best. I felt good from the beginning and tried to push to the fullest. We eventually managed to qualify in the front row of the grid and I am very happy about that. I’m ready for tomorrow’s race.”