Red Bull KTM Ajo take the initiative on opening day of Valencia GP

12/11/2021

Remy Gardner and Raul Fernandez finish first and second, respectively, in the combined FP1 and FP2 standings at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit.

 

The Ricardo Tormo Circuit today hosted the opening day of the Valencia Grand Prix. Friday saw Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2 lead the way, as Remy Gardner and Raul Fernandez finished first and second on the combined timesheets for the two Free Practice sessions. Mixed conditions saw them ride in the wet in the morning and in the dry in the afternoon.

The first Free Practice of the weekend was held in wet conditions, after the rain that fell in the morning. The Red Bull KTM Ajo duo approached the session very calmly, without taking unnecessary risks. Fernandez finished in 12th position, after stopping the clock at 1:47.410 on his 13th lap of a total of 17. His teammate, Remy Gardner, was 20th with a 1:48.632 – set on his 13th attempt out of a total of 16.

In the afternoon, the sun shone at the circuit and the track dried out for FP2. The two Red Bull KTM Ajo riders were very competitive, and topped the session. Gardner claimed first position after setting a 1:35.857 and completing 19 laps. Behind him was Fernandez, second after putting in a 1:35.865 on his 15 attempt of 19.

The Red Bull KTM Ajo pair will face the last Free Practice session of the weekend, FP3, tomorrow at noon. In the afternoon, the pole position for the season finale will be decided in Q1 and Q2, which will take place at 3:10 PM and 3:35 PM, respectively.

Results (Combined practice times FP1-FP2)
1. Remy Gardner (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 1:35.857
2. Raul Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 1:35.865 +0.008
3. Augusto Fernandez (Kalex) 1:35.898 +0.041
4. Celestino Vietti (Kalex) 1:35.944 +0.087
5. Xavi Vierge (Kalex) 1:35.972 +0.115

 

87 REMY GARDNER

“It was a good day because we finished in first position. The dry laps went well and we have a good feeling on the bike. Luckily my rib allowed me to work well during the day, since I don’t feel great discomfort with it. The goal tomorrow is to continue in the same way and finish our last weekend in Moto2.”

25 RAUL FERNANDEZ

“I am happy with the pace we had. We are strong, although there are some aspects of the bike that we have to improve – and we will work on that tomorrow. It will be a special weekend for the fans, as the last Grand Prix of the year. I want to enjoy this race with my team and I will give everything to win and to be able to say sign off in the best possible way.”

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