Raul Fernandez and Kaito Toba complete the first two Free Practice sessions for the Valencia Grand Prix and they take provisional spots in Q2.

The Red Bull KTM Ajo were back on track at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit on Friday, although under better conditions than those experienced just 7 days ago. Raul Fernandez and Kaito Toba continued with their work plan in the opening two Free Practice sessions for the Valencia Grand Prix, and both were among the fastest riders in the Moto3 class. The Spaniard ended the day 8th in the combined FP1 and FP2 standings, with his teammate in 13th. These results provisionally put the pair into Q2 tomorrow.

The day began with a 40-minute session in dry conditions, which allowed the Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto3 duo to start working on their respective KTM bikes. Fernandez continued to be one of the most competitive riders in the field, leading the practice at one point. Finally, the Spaniard finished in fifth place after stopping the clock at 1:38.762, 3 tenths off the fastest time. The 20-year-old talent completed 16 laps in FP1, while teammate Toba, racked up 19. On his last attempt, the Japanese set a 1:39.050 which earned him 10th place.

In the afternoon, they continued to focus on finding a good setup for the Valencia Grand Prix. Fernandez was calm at the start of the session and, in the final part of the practice, pushed hard to pick up a 1:38.604, lowering his time from the morning and going just 1 tenth off the pacesetter. Fifth in the practice, he added another 13 laps to his tally. Toba finished 11th thanks to a 1:38.751, his personal best of a day in which he was consistent and fast in FP2, over the course of 17 laps.

The Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto3 duo will undertake a final Free Practice session tomorrow morning. In the afternoon, the Valencia GP grid will be decided in Q1 and Q2, at 1:15 pm and 1:40 pm, respectively.

Results – FP1 & FP2
1. Tony Arbolino (Honda) 1:38.413
2. Jaume Masia (Honda) 1:38.479 +0.066
3. Sergio Garcia (Honda) 1:38.496 +0.083
4. Deniz Öncü (KTM) 1:38.511 +0.098
5. Romano Fenati (Husqvarna) 1:38.559 +0.146
8.  Raul Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 1:38.604 +0.191
13. Kaito Toba (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 1:38.751 +0.338

25 RAUL FERNANDEZ

“It was a positive Friday for us. Being able to ride in the dry, after all the sessions were in the wet last weekend, is very good. It allowed us to do more laps and understand things. We have to continue working, as we have some aspects to improve which, if we succeed, will help us a lot with reaching the end of the race with the chance of fighting for a great result. Tomorrow we will do our best to take a step forward in this regard.”

27 KAITO TOBA

“We started the Valencia Grand Prix optimally. I feel good on the bike and I was comfortable today. We still need to improve our lap time a little, but overall we are doing well. Tomorrow morning we will push to try to lower our personal best and ensure that we go directly into Q2.”