Pedro Acosta finishes Friday in second position, while Albert Arenas is thirtieth.

The Indian Grand Prix began this Friday with Red Bull KTM Ajo riders Pedro Acosta and Albert Arenas trying to adapt to the Buddh International Circuit on it’s first appearance on the calendar. Acosta was very consistent and placed second overall, whilst Arenas returned from injury and improved progressively, finishing thirtieth.

The high temperatures from early in the morning made the day a demanding one. Acosta took to the track with determination and quickly adapted, going on to lead the way in the final minutes and eventually clock the second best time of the first session with a 1:52.878. Arenas, back after his injury at the last Grand Prix, focused on getting used to the new layout and also on getting his feel for riding back. He racked up a total of 14 laps, and on his last attempt he set a 1:55.864 that put him 29th.

The second and final practice of the day saw conditions similar to those of the morning. Acosta centred his work on his pace and preparing for the race, with the Moto2 World Championship leader lowering his times and fighting for the top spot until the end. After achieving his best time on his last lap, with a 1:52.170, he was only +0.065 off the fastest rider of the day, concluding Friday in second position. Arenas did not have a good practice despite pushing hard. He managed to improve his times by more than a second, although this was not a big enough step forward to put him into Q2, as his 1:54.398 left him 30th.

Moto2 qualifying takes place on Saturday from 2:15pm local time at the Buddh International Circuit.

Results (Combined practice times P1 – P2)
1. Tony Arbolino (Kalex) 1:52.105
2. Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 1:52.170 +0.065
3. Ai Ogura (Kalex) 1:52.188 +0.083
4. Celestino Vietti (Kalex) 1:52.451 +0.214
5. Somkiat Chantra (Kalex) 1:52.451 +0.346
30. Albert Arenas (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 1:54.398 +2.293

#37 PEDRO ACOSTA

“The adaptation to the circuit has been quite good and the feeling has been very good too. We still have to fine-tune some details, but we have worked a lot on our pace in order to see what tyre we will use in the race. Tomorrow I think we can have a good qualifying session, and we will continue working with Sunday in mind, since we have no references; however, I feel good.”

#75 ALBERT ARENAS

“I really wanted to come back, although I knew it wouldn’t be easy after the injury in Misano. I have been working hard at home to be able to return in the best possible shape. It is a new circuit, which is also very technical and physically demanding. I have discomfort in my shoulder that prevents me from riding easily, but we are working on it to be able to improve more tomorrow.”