The Red Bull KTM Ajo duo complete a positive opening day at COTA, finishing third and fourth, respectively, on the combined FP1 and FP2 timesheets.

The spectacular Circuit of The Americas hosted the opening day of the Americas Grand Prix on Friday, the fourth round of the 2022 season for the Moto3 World Championship. The Red Bull KTM Ajo team had a promising day, in which Dani Holgado was third on the combined FP1 and FP2 timesheets in his first experience in Austin. Just behind, his teammate, Jaume Masia, finished in fourth place. With these results, the two are provisionally through to Q2.

Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto3 started the Americas Grand Prix with the FP1 at midday, with optimal weather conditions and ambient temperatures of 20ºC. Masia adapted quickly on his return to the track, provisionally leading the session. He eventually placed fourth with a time of 2:16.753, which he achieved on his final attempt of 13. Holgado had his first experience at COTA, dedicating the FP1 to learning the circuit and accumulating kilometres. Despite suffering a crash early in the practice, he would complete 12 laps and, after upping his pace in the final part and stopping the clock at 2:17.160, he placed seventh.

In the afternoon, the duo made a huge leap forward, with both riders improving on their morning times. Holgado, who continues to learn fast in his rookie year in the World Championship, finished the FP2 in third position after stopping the clock at 2:16.190. The Spaniard added a further 13 laps of COTA in the session, the same as his teammate. Masia concluded fourth with a personal best of 2:16.357.

On Saturday, Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto3 will enjoy one last Free Practice session in which to fine-tune their KTM bikes before qualifying. Q1 will begin at 3:10 PM local time, followed by Q2 at 3:35 PM.

Results (Combined practice times FP1-FP2)
1. Dennis Foggia (Honda) 2:15.440
2. Andrea Migno (Honda) 2:15.824 +0.384
3. Dani Holgado (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 2:16.190 +0.750
4. Jaume Masia (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 2:16.357 +0.917
5. Deniz Öncü (KTM) 2:16.382 +0.942

#5 JAUME MASIA

“In general, I am happy with how this first day of work in Austin has gone. We are testing various things with the team to find the best setup for our bike, to allow us to get the most out of it at this track. I’m looking forward to continuing to work tomorrow and trying to take another step forward in the last Free Practice. In the afternoon, we will do our best to get a good qualifying position for Sunday’s race.”

#96 DANI HOLGADO

“We are very happy with the work we did today in Austin. We finished Friday in the Top 3, which is a good result for us, considering that we don’t know this track. The start of the day was a bit tough, as I suffered a small crash at the start of FP1. In the afternoon, everything went much better; we found a good setup for the bike, with the right tyre. The team and I put in a great effort today and I am satisfied. We are prepared to continue taking steps forward tomorrow and learn the requirements of this circuit.”