The Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto3 riders finish fourth and thirteenth, respectively.

Jaume Masia and Holgado started the Malaysian Grand Prix this Friday at the Sepang International Circuit with the first two Free Practice sessions. Jaume Masia finished in fourth place overall, whilst Dani Holgado was thirteenth, as both provisionally earned a spot in Q2.

The first session started with a good feeling for Masia. The Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto3 rider was amongst the pacesetters from the start, proving that Sepang is a circuit that suits him and where he can challenge for a good result. After 11 laps, he improved his times to claim third place with a 2:12.851. Holgado was riding at the Malaysian circuit for the first time and felt very comfortable, despite the demanding conditions. He adapted well and progressively improved his times. With a 2:13.303 achieved on his last lap, he finished in eighth place.

The second and final Free Practice of the day was held in tricky conditions due to the heat and humidity. Masia maintained a good pace and tried to remain in the Top 3, completing a total of 13 laps. On his penultimate lap he set the eleventh fastest time in the session, with a 2:13.680. Holgado continued to adjust to an unfamiliar track, and his time of 2:13.405 put him eighth on the timesheets. Despite not bettering their FP1 times, both riders provisionally qualified for Q2, as Masia took fourth and Holgado thirteenth.

Moto3 qualifying for the Malaysian Grand Prix takes place on Saturday at 12:35 PM local time.

Results (Combined practice times FP1 – FP2)
1. Dennis Foggia (Honda) 2:12.226
2. Ayumu Sasaki (Husqvarna) 2:12.296 +0.070
3. David Muñoz (KTM) 2:12.614 +0.388
4. Jaume Masia (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 2:12.851 +0.625
5. Ricardo Rossi (Honda) 2:12.990 +0.764
13. Daniel Holgado (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 2:13.303 +1.077

#5 JAUME MASIA

“It was a good day in Malaysia. Sepang is a circuit that is good for me, and where I have achieved good results in previous years. We were fighting to finish the day in the Top 3, but fourth place is also good. We are competitive and tomorrow we will continue in the same way to get a good position on the grid.”

#96 DANI HOLGADO

“I had a good feeling today. It is a new circuit for me and we have adapted quickly, although we have to improve some details. This afternoon we will work to solve them and continue learning at this circuit. I really liked the layout and tomorrow we will give everything in qualifying.”