The Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2 duo lead the opening day of the German Grand Prix, finishing first and second, respectively, on the combined FP1 and FP2 timesheets.

The German Grand Prix could not have started better for Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2, who topped the combined standings for the first two Free Practice sessions held at the Sachsenring. Remy Gardner was fastest in both FP1 and FP2, whilst teammate Raul Fernandez also enjoyed a more than solid day, finishing second at the end of Friday. Both riders are provisionally through to Q2.

The pair set very competitive and consistent times in FP1. Gardner led the session and was the first competitor to break the 1:25 barrier, stopping the clock at 1:24.873. The Australian completed 21 laps of the German track. Raul Fernandez, who put in 23, led the way in the first half of a practice in which he finished fourth with a time of 1:25.124, just 2 tenths behind Gardner.

In the afternoon there was a strong wind that caused the session to be delayed on two occasions, due to the track conditions. Despite an uncertain start, the Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2 riders managed to stay calm and ended up improving on their morning times. Gardner was again one step ahead of the rest of the field, fastest in FP2 with a personal best of 1:24.197, which he achieved on his 15th attempt of 20. Just 3 tenths behind, Fernandez finished second, with a 1:24.536.

Tomorrow morning Gardner and Fernandez will compete in FP3, the last Free Practice session of the weekend. The Moto2 German GP starting grid will be decided at 3:10 PM and 3:35 PM, in Q1 and Q2.

Results (Combined practice times FP1-FP2)

1. Remy Gardner (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 1:24.197
2. Raul Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 1:24.536 +0.339
3. Fabio Di Giannantonio (Kalex) 1:24.639 +0.442
4. Sam Lowes (Kalex) 1:24.640 +0.443
5. Xavi Vierge (Kalex) 1:24.807 +0.610

87 REMY GARDNER

“It was a very positive day for us, since we have always been at the top of the standings. I’m happy with the pace we have, because we were able to set more than one fast lap. However, we have to keep working as we still have a long weekend ahead of us. We have to stay focused for the remaining sessions, and, of course, for the race.”

25 RAUL FERNANDEZ

“I’m happy with how the day went. I was really looking forward to riding in Germany, as it is a circuit that I like and it brings back very good memories. It was quite a positive Friday, although we did not expect it to be so hot and we are working to not suffer so much with the high temperatures. In the afternoon, we had a great FP2 as well, so I’m happy. Tomorrow we will continue doing our best and we will see what we are capable of achieving.”