Red Bull KTM Ajo rider participates in FP1 and FP2 for the Dutch GP

The Dutch GP kicked off at the TT Circuit Assen this Friday, with Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2 running just one rider this weekend – due to an injury suffered by Pedro Acosta. Augusto Fernandez took part in Free Practice, and was one of the fastest competitors in both sessions, finishing second overall.

The Moto2 field faced intense rain in FP1. On the opening laps, Fernandez was in fifteenth position, although after a pit stop he rose to fourth as he upped his pace. With five minutes to go, the Spaniard set the second fastest time, overcoming low visibility due to the rain. On his last lap, Fernandez improved his feeling and finished in third place, with a time of 1:47.052.

With the track practically dry for FP2, the Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2 rider was swift to establish a fast pace, and progressively improved his lap times. With the first half of the session completed, a small crash at Turn 5 scuppered his momentum when he was in second place. Despite this, he lowered his best time on his final attempt to a 1:37.529.

Qualifying for the Dutch GP takes place on Saturday. Q1 will be held at 3:10 PM, with Q2 at 3:35 PM local time.

Results (Combined practice times FP1 – FP2)
1. Joe Roberts (Kalex) 1:37.393
2. Augusto Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 1:37.529 +0.136
3. Albert Arenas (Kalex) 1:37.569 +0.176
4. Ai Ogura (Kalex) 1:37.710 +0.317
5. Fermin Aldeguer (Boscoscuro) 1:37.840 +0.840

#37 AUGUSTO FERNANDEZ

“I’m happy, despite the crash at the end of my first run in FP2. It wasn’t a big deal, just a case of losing the front end. Afterwards we managed to get the bike ready again, and even improve our lap time. We’ll see what the conditions are on track tomorrow, with the threat of rain. We’re ready for anything. This morning I felt good in the wet too, we’ll give it our all.”