The Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2 duo lead the way in both Free Practice sessions.

Augusto Fernandez and Pedro Acosta began the Valencian Grand Prix this Friday, kicking off the last race of the 2022 season. Both riders felt very comfortable, and Acosta was the fastest rider of the day, followed by his teammate and current Moto2 series leader.

The Ricardo Tormo Circuit in Valencia kicked off the day with the first free practice sessions. Pedro Acosta started FP1 in the best way, leading the classification and setting the morning reference. The Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2 rider was overtaken by his teammate with 22 minutes remaining, although both were the clear rivals to beat on the day. After completing 19 laps, his 1:35:206 was the second fastest time in qualifying. Augusto Fernandez went from strength to strength in this first session. After a first pit stop, the category leader made clear his intentions for the weekend by occupying the first position and completing 20 laps of the Valencian track. Thanks to a time of 1:34.979, he finished in first position.

In the second and final session of the day, the Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2 duo continued from where they had left off. Both Fernandez and Acosta were fast and felt at ease, making steady improvements on their lap times. Acosta went quicker than in FP1 after nine laps and remained in first until the end of the session. On his seventh lap of 21 he set his best time with a 1:34.948. Fernandez followed the same strategy as in the morning, looking for the best approach. Despite not improving on his best time from FP1, he remained the second fastest rider of the day with a 1:35.069.

Moto2 qualifying will take place from 3:10 PM local time on Saturday.

Results (Combined practice times FP1 – FP2)
1. Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 1:34.948
2. Augusto Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 1:34.979 +0.031
3. Alonso Lopez (Boscoscuro) 1:35.128 +0.180
4. Jake Dixon (Kalex) 1:35.554 +0.606
5. Somkiat Chantra (Kalex) 1:35.571 +0.623

#37 AUGUSTO FERNANDEZ

“Today has been a good first day in Valencia. We were strong from the beginning and we worked well thinking about the weekend overall. Our goal is to fight for the victory and this is the way to go. Pedro is also very strong and that allows us to see where we are -and even go one step further. Tomorrow we will fight for a good position on the grid because it will be important for the race.”

#51 PEDRO ACOSTA

“I have felt comfortable today and we have been able to take a step forward. Starting the weekend being the fastest driver is always positive and more so in Valencia, which is like being at home because it is the closest circuit to my house. Tomorrow, qualifying will be important to be able to have a good race on Sunday.”