Augusto Fernandez and Pedro Acosta are the fastest two riders on Friday.

Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2 made a positive start to the Malaysian Grand Prix on Friday, with Augusto Fernandez and Pedro Acosta topping the timesheets in the first Free Practice. Heavy rain in FP2 kept them as the fastest riders of the day.

Fernandez had a good feeling from start to finish in FP1, imposing a high pace and heading the field with a 2:06.816 lap some 8 tenths faster than any other rider. He set the time on his penultimate attempt of the morning. Acosta felt very comfortable on his opening laps at the Sepang International Circuit. He was focused on finding a good feeling at a physically demanding circuit made more difficult due to the conditions. After completing a total of 13 laps, he placed in an outstanding second position with a time of 2:07.644.

Moto2 FP2 started with high temperatures, although after the first few minutes heavy rain stopped the session for a long period of time. After the restart, the remaining minutes were undertaken on a wet track. Fernandez completed a total of 12 laps and finished in fourth position, with a time of 2:08.357, achieved on his fourth lap. Acosta was eleventh with a 2:08.896, set on his second lap. Neither rider improved their times from the morning but were the top two on the combined timesheets.

Moto2 qualifying takes place on Saturday from 1:30 PM local time at Sepang International Circuit.

Results (Combined practice times FP1 – FP2)
1. Augusto Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 2:06.816
2. Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 2:07.644 +0.828
3. Tony Arbolino (Kalex) 2:07.867 +1.051
4. Manuel Gonzalez (Kalex) 2:07.879 +1.063
5. Ai Ogura (Kalex) 2:07.938 +1.122

#37 AUGUSTO FERNANDEZ

“I felt very comfortable from the first session onwards. I had a crash at the end of FP1, but it helped me to find out where the limit is and which direction to take, making me more confident for Sunday. I am happy with today. This is a complete and very technical track, and that’s something that suits me personally. I feel good riding in whatever conditions we have, and tomorrow we’ll keep working hard.”

#51 PEDRO ACOSTA

“Our objective tomorrow is to work to have a better pace. We were fast today and it was important to improve in some parts where we were struggling more. I have a good feeling, we finished in the Top 3 and that is a very good sign. Tomorrow, we will give it our best and we will work to get a good spot on the grid.”