The Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2 duo finish in 4th and 5th position for FP1 and FP2, respectively, in their first contact with the Mandalika International Circuit.

The Indonesian Grand Prix got underway this Friday at the Mandalika International Circuit which, for the first time, held Free Practice for the Moto2 World Championship. Red Bull KTM Ajo completed two rewarding sessions, with Pedro Acosta fourth in the combined FP1 and FP2 standings and Augusto Fernandez fifth. The two Spanish riders showed a quick adaptation to the track, riding in both dry and wet conditions.

The pair had to tackle wet asphalt in their first experience of the circuit, due to heavy rain that had fallen in the early hours of the morning. Acosta focused his efforts on accumulating as much data as possible, while continuing to adapt to the intermediate class at the same time. The current Moto3 World Champion concluded the FP1 in 11th position, after stopping the clock at 1:47.952 on his penultimate attempt of 17. Teammate Fernandez was 12th, setting a 1:48.324 and racking up 15 laps.

In the afternoon, the track dried out and the Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2 duo were able to continue learning the requirements of the Indonesian track. Acosta finished fourth, despite suffering a small crash at Turn 2 midway through the session, setting a personal best of 1:36.529. The Spaniard completed 14 laps. Putting in 17 was his teammate, and Fernandez was comfortable in a FP2 that he finished in fifth position, with a time of 1:36.636.

Fernandez and Acosta will return to action on Saturday morning for the final Free Practice session of the weekend. Moto2 Q1 will start at 1:25 PM local time, followed by Q2 at 1:50 PM.

Results (Combined practice times FP1-FP2)
1. Jake Dixon (Kalex) 1:35.897
2. Celestino Vietti (Kalex) 1:36.328 +0.431
3. Sam Lowes (Kalex) 1:36.491 +0.594
4. Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 1:36.529 +0.632
5. Augusto Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 1:36.636 +0.739

#37 AUGUSTO FERNANDEZ

“I’m happy to start the Grand Prix in the Top 5. Overall, it’s been a great day. We have to bear in mind that it is a new circuit and that, in addition, this morning we were not able to ride much because the track was wet. In the FP1, I found things a little harder but, in dry conditions in the afternoon, we felt good again. We have to continue working to be able to clarify a couple of things that we are missing with the setup of the bike. I quite like the track, although it will be important to learn how to handle the heat in the race, since very high temperatures are experienced here.”

#51 PEDRO ACOSTA

“It has been a positive first day of work. Today we focused on getting to know the circuit well and looking for a good setup for our bike, which will allow us to use all of its potential on this track. Tomorrow we will have to keep working hard if we want to keep progressing. We still have a lot to learn, but we are willing to give one hundred percent to take advantage of every outing on track and gather all of the data possible – without forgetting to enjoy ourselves.”