Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto3 duo go straight into Q2 and qualify on the second and fifth row of the grid, respectively, for the Algarve Grand Prix.

The Moto3 starting grid for the penultimate round of the season was established on Saturday at the Algarve Grand Prix. Red Bull KTM Ajo secured spots in Q2 for both of their riders, and in qualifying Jaume Masia took a positive fifth place that puts him on the second row for Sunday’s contest. Pedro Acosta will start the 17th race of the year from Row 5, in 14th position.

In the morning, the Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto3 duo had to cope with a cold wind that caused temperatures to drop significantly. Nevertheless, Acosta was able to ride faster than on Friday, concluding the session sixth with a 1:48.090. The Spaniard put in a total of 16 laps, the same as his teammate. Masia was 14th in FP3, after stopping the clock at 1:48.456.

Thanks to their good work in Free Practice, the pair moved straight into Q2. In that session, Masia was competitive and fought for the top positions, finally achieving fifth with a personal best of 1:47.570. The result takes him to the second row of the grid for Sunday’s race. On Row 5 will be Acosta, 14th with a 1:47.986. His final fast lap was cancelled for exceeding the track limits.

The 21-lap Moto3 Algarve GP takes place on Sunday at 11:20 AM, local time. Pedro Acosta has the opportunity to be crowned World Champion.

Results (Qualifying session)
1. Sergio Garcia (GasGas) 1:47.274
2. John McPhee (Honda) 1:47.291 +0.017
3. Adrian Fernandez (Husqvarna) 1:47.404 +0.130
4. Dennis Foggia (Honda) 1:47.517 +0.243
5. Jaume Masia (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 1:47.570 +0.296
14. Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 1:47.986 +0.712

5 JAUME MASIA

“I am happy with fifth on the grid for Sunday’s contest. We have taken a step forward from yesterday, which is important. Tomorrow morning, in the warm-up, it will be crucial to work on our pace with a hard tyre, with the race in mind. I feel ready to face this round and, as always, I will give one hundred percent to have a good performance.”

37 PEDRO ACOSTA

“We were at the front in every Free Practice session, which is what I will take away from this. We qualified in 14th place, so it will be up to us to fight back. We have to keep working, since we have one of the best paces here and we have to make the most of it in the race. However, it will be very important to remain calm and to progress little by little within the group – but without ceasing to give our all.”