The Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2 riders finish second and third, respectively.

The Autodromo Internacional do Algarve hosts the last preseason test for the 2023 campaign this week. Pedro Acosta and Albert Arenas arrive in Portugal after having completed a satisfactory test in Jerez, ready for a three-day stay at the portuguese track. They finished Friday with very satisfactory results: Acosta was second fastest, with Arenas in third place.

The weather conditions hindered testing on Friday. Amidst wind and light intermittent rain, Acosta started the day in Portimao with the same feeling that he had a few days before in Jerez. The Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2 rider led the way in the first session, while in the second he placed second. Acosta, who did not take part in the last session of the day, was very satisfied with the result and the team’s work, setting the second best time of 1:42.703 from 39 laps completed.

Arenas has arrived in Portimao with maximum motivation and clear ideas. He continues to adapt to the team, although he is increasingly comfortable and is feeling better on the bike. He improved his lap times and, after occupying third position in the second session, also sat out the third runout of the day. With a time of 1:42.970 and after completing 41 laps of the Portuguese track, he set the third best time on Friday.

The Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2 duo will return to action on Saturday for the second day of the Official Test.

Results (Combined practice times Day 1)
1. Aron Canet (Kalex) 1:42.681
2. Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 1:42.703 +0.022
3. Albert Arenas (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 1:42.970 +0.289
4. Sam Lowes (Kalex) 1:43.064 +0.383
5. Bo Bendsneyder (Kalex) 1:43.125 +0.444

#37 PEDRO ACOSTA

“It was a good day in Portimao despite the wind and rain. I think we are looking for the base we had in Jerez and we are improving the bike little-by-little. The team are working very well, we know the main points in which we have to work and tomorrow we will give our best again”.

#75 ALBERT ARENAS

“Today went quite well and I’m happy with the work that we did. It helped me a lot to analyse the Jerez test to arrive here with clear ideas and to work to improve as well. We still have two days ahead of us, so we have to stay focused and follow the planned programme”.