Fernandez surges to second consecutive pole position at Mugello
29/05/2021The Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2 rider dominates qualifying for the Italian GP. Remy Gardner will be on the second row at the sixth round of the 2021 season.
Qualifying for the Italian Grand Prix was dominated by Raul Fernandez, who led the last Free Practice session of the weekend with a new circuit record and then romped to his second pole position of the season in Qualifying 2 – the eighth of his career so far. The Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2 rookie will head a grid that includes teammate and series leader Remy Gardner in fourth place, on the second row.
The day got off to a great start for Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2, with both riders atop the timesheets in FP3. Fernandez was one step ahead of the rest of the field, and the Spaniard broke the circuit record in the Moto2 class. A 1:50.616 on his 15th attempt of 18 went unmatched, as his teammate Gardner placed second with a 1:50.770 from 16 laps.
Both went directly into Q2, which took place in tricky conditions after fine rain fell at the start of the session. A formidable Fernandez set the best time of 1:50.723 to earn his second pole of 2021 – the eighth of his career so far. Gardner will be just behind him on the second row of the grid, thanks to his fourth place – 1:51.306.
Red Bull KTM Ajo send their support and best wishes to the riders involved in the incident that occurred today at the end of Moto3 Q2 at Mugello.
The 21-lap Moto2 Italian Grand Prix takes place at 12:20 PM on Sunday.
Results (Qualifying session)
1. Raul Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 1:50.723
2. Sam Lowes (Kalex) 1:50.990 +0.267
3. Jorge Navarro (Boscoscuro) 1:51.097 +0.374
4. Remy Gardner (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 1:51.306 +0.583
5. Fabio Di Giannantonio (Kalex) 1:51.355 +0.632
87 REMY GARDNER
“It was a positive day for me. I’m satisfied with the pace that we showed in qualifying. This morning we had a good FP3 as well. In the afternoon, the rain at the beginning of Q2 made it a difficult session with the various incidents and yellow flags. Nevertheless, I am happy to have taken a spot on the first two rows of the grid. We are ready for the race and, as always, we will do our best to get a great result.”
25 RAUL FERNANDEZ
“I’m very happy with how the day went. I’m satisfied because things are going well for us this weekend. However, obviously the important thing today is to send all our support to Jason Dupasquier, his team and his family. I hope that he is ok, and that we can have him back with us soon.”