The Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2 duo resume their activity with FP1 and FP2 for the Styrian Grand Prix and earn provisional places in Q2.

After a five-week summer break, Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2 started the second half of the 2021 season in good shape, enjoying a solid opening day at the Styrian Grand Prix. Remy Gardner finished third on Friday, after leading the FP2 and showing great consistency and competitiveness. Raul Fernandez was ninth overall, taking progressive steps forward. With these results, the duo both secured provisional spots in Q2.

The team dedicated FP1 to getting their feeling back after their time off. Gardner and Fernandez were steady in lowering their lap times, and the Australian placed seventh, clocking a 1:29.457 on his penultimate attempt of 15. Gardner was just 3 tenths off the pacesetter. Close behind was Fernandez, eighth with a 1:29.461 from 20 laps.

At the start of FP2, the track had mixed conditions due to the rain that had fallen earlier in the day. It gradually dried out, with Gardner then setting the top time of the afternoon with a 1:29.244. The Australian completed 19 laps, whilst his teammate, Fernandez, rode 18. The Spaniard placed 11th through a 1:29.681.

Tomorrow morning sees the final Free Practice session for the Styrian Grand Prix, before qualifying in the afternoon. Moto2 Q1 will start at 3:10 PM local time, followed by Q2 at 3:35 PM.

Results (Combined practice times FP1-FP2)
1. Marco Bezzecchi (Kalex) 1:29.115
2. Augusto Fernandez (Kalex) 1:29.195 +0.080
3. Remy Gardner (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 1:29.244 +0.129
4. Sam Lowes (Kalex) 1:29.351 +0.236
5. Aron Canet (Boscoscuro) 1:29.363 +0.248
9. Raul Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 1:29.461 +0.346

87 REMY GARDNER

“It was a good day. In the morning, in FP1, we had a small issue, but we managed to solve it for FP2. I’m very happy with how the day went, as we led the second Free Practice. We have to keep working hard and pushing. It is always a pleasure to race at the home of KTM and Red Bull, so I’m looking forward to tomorrow and continuing to give it some gas.”

25 RAUL FERNANDEZ

“It was a tough first day for us. The positive part is that we know which points we have to improve, and we will work hard to do that. Tomorrow we will try to be calmer and have fun on the bike, and I’m sure things will work out better. The Moto2 class is very close and that makes you lag a little behind with the slightest mistake. We will give one hundred percent to find what we are lacking in order to be at the front.”