Raul Fernandez and Remy Gardner finish first and third, respectively, on the combined timesheets for Friday in Portugal.

The Algarve Grand Prix began well for the Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2, who led the two Free Practice sessions held at the Algarve International Circuit today. Raul Fernandez was the fastest competitor on Friday, riding very consistently and competitively. Just behind him, Remy Gardner was quickest in FP1 and third overall.

The Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2 duo made a strong start to the Grand Prix, placing first and second in the morning. Gardner set the best time of the session, stopping the clock at 1:43.667 on his 15th attempt out of a total of 18. His teammate, Raul Fernandez, finished just 0.014s behind, with a 1:43.681 that he took on his 17th and final lap. Moto2 FP1 was contested under bright sunshine and a dry track, allowing the team to draw useful conclusions.

In the afternoon, the two riders were once again very competitive, lapping quicker than in the morning. Fernandez led the way for much of the FP2 and finished as the fastest rider in both the session and overall, thanks to a 1:43.246. The Spaniard completed 17 laps, whilst his teammate Gardner put in 16. The Australian was third with a 1:43.368 – despite suffering a crash at the end of the practice.

FP3, which will be held on Saturday morning, will be the last chance for the Red Bull KTM Ajo duo to work on setting up their machines. Moto2 Q1 and Q2 for the Algarve GP will be held at 3:10 PM and 3:35 PM, local time, respectively.

Results (Combined practice times FP1-FP2)
1. Raul Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 1:43.246
2. Sam Lowes (Kalex) 1:43.248 +0.002
3. Remy Gardner (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 1:43.368 +0.122
4. Jorge Navarro (Boscoscuro) 1:43.372 +0.126
5. Ai Ogura (Kalex) 1:43.445 +0.199

87 REMY GARDNER

“We ended the day in a somewhat chaotic way, as we collided with another rider who was running slowly on the racing line. However, before that happened, I felt very good, was comfortable on the bike and my pace was strong. We can be satisfied. It will be necessary to see how we feel tomorrow after the crash but, as always, we will go for it.”

25 RAUL FERNANDEZ

“In general, it has been a very positive day. I’m happy with how I felt physically, after the heavy crash we had at Misano. I am delighted to be racing in Portugal again, as it is a circuit where I go well. I want to relish the last two weeks of racing with the team, and we have started off by enjoying Friday in Portimao a lot. We have to continue in the same way for the next few days.”