Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2 complete hot Friday in Jerez in Top 10
28/04/2023Pedro Acosta is fourth quickest and Albert Arenas sixth at Spanish Grand Prix.
Pedro Acosta and Albert Arenas contested the first two practice sessions of the Spanish Grand Prix this Friday, where high temperatures had an impact. The Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2 duo were consistent and focused on getting a good result. Acosta finished fourth overall after leading Practice 2, while Arenas was sixth after suffering a crash in FP2.
The first Moto2 practice session began with Acosta and Arenas occupying the top positions. Acosta started determined to set the pace, and after a pit stop he took first place on the timesheets. He gave his all in a demanding session, eventually achieving the fourth fastest time with a 1:41.497, achieved on lap 12 of 17. Arenas remained in the Top10 throughout Practice 1. The Red Bull KTM Ajo rider suffered a small crash, although he continued without major consequences. After a pit stop, Arenas improved his times and on the penultimate lap achieved sixth with a 1:41.907.
Practice 2 took place under intense heat. The Red Bull KTM Ajo duo worked hard, although without improving their morning times due to the track conditions. Acosta started the session with a small crash, although he was able to recover and complete the session as normal. He took a step forward and led the way until the end, with a time of 1:42.079 achieved on his 12th lap of 17. Arenas also had a crash and finished Practice 2 early, occupying eighth with a time of 1:42.746 set on his 9th lap of 13. With these results, both riders are provisionally into Q2, with Acosta in fourth place and Arenas sixth.
Moto2 qualifying sessions will take place at 1:45 PM local time on Saturday at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto.
Results (Combined practice times P1 – P2)
1. Sam Lowes (Kalex) 1:41.170
2. Somkiat Chantra (Kalex) 1:41.400 +0.230
3. Alonso Lopez (Boscoscuro) 1:41.489 +0.319
4. Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 1:41.497 +0.327
5. Jake Dixon (Kalex) 1:41.634 +0.464
6. Albert Arenas (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 1:41.907 +0.737
#37 PEDRO ACOSTA
“The day went quite well. We were competitive in P1, the team worked very well and we have the same feeling that we had in November. We have to work because the weekend will be difficult to handle and there will be a lot of heat, since it will be difficult to manage tyre temperature. I think the team are working very hard in the right way. P2 went quite well, and that in the end is the closest thing, along with qualifying, to what the race is like. I think we’re on the right path.”
#75 ALBERT ARENAS
“That’s the first day in Jerez completed. It’s always special to go out on track at this circuit, because of all that goes with it. It has been a positive day in general, despite the crashes. Physically I feel good, but we have to continue working tomorrow on our pace and improve in certain aspects. I am confident that I can do well and get a good position on the grid.”