After a FP1 session of adaptation to the new track, the two Moto3 Red Bull KTM Ajo riders make it through to Q2 at the Hungarian GP Practice.

Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto3 made it through to Q2 at the Hungarian Grand Prix on a strong Friday for riders Jose Antonio Rueda and Alvaro Carpe. The pair focused on completing as many laps as possible in the morning, then in the afternoon secured their place in the fight for Pole Position with fifth and thirteenth places in Practice.

At the unfamiliar Balaton Park circuit, new on the calendar this season, Carpe and Rueda were among the riders with the most laps completed on Day 1, with 19.

Carpe adapted well from the start, climbing into the Top 5 after the first few laps of FP1.With a long first stint, he worked with his Red Bull KTM Ajo teammate to familiarise himself with Balaton Park. Subsequently, the rookie pitted for a quick tyre change, and would place ninth with a best time of 1:48.386. Rueda needed more time to adjust to the circuit, finishing 1.5 seconds off the top spot in FP1. Intent on making the most of the 35-minute session, Rueda completed all 19 of his laps consecutively, working on his race pace ahead of Sunday. On his final flying lap, the Moto3 World Championship leader managed to shave 2 tenths off his best time, proving his competitiveness on used tyres. He finished 12th with a quickest lap of 1:48.655.

Clear skies and warmer conditions were enjoyed in Moto3 Practice, as temperatures rose from 24°C to 38ºC, and humidity dropped from 72% to 37%.

Rueda quickly took a step forward, moving into the Top 6 on the opening laps and shaving several tenths off his morning time. He focused on continuing to improve his race pace before pitting for a tyre change and moving into Time Attack mode. On his first flying lap, he came close to taking first place, but traffic caused him to lose several tenths of a second in the final section. However, Rueda managed to improve again in the final stretch, with a 1:46.999 after 17 laps completed. He was more than 1.5s faster than in the morning. Carpe also swiftly made his way into the Top 14, securing his spot in Q2. Although not as consistently as his teammate, the rookie also managed to lower his lap times on several occasions, with a best lap of 1:47.623, just over a second off the top spot, for 13th. He used his 14 laps to fine-tune his KTM’s setup for Saturday, where he will once again have a direct ticket to the fight for Pole Position.

With the first ever day completed at this new Hungarian track, the Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto3 duo are already preparing for Saturday, which will be vital for securing a good grid position in this tight circuit. Saturday action begins with Free Practice 2 at 8:40 a.m. (local time), leading into Qualifying at midday. Q2, featuring Rueda and Carpe, will get underway at 1:10 p.m. 

Practice Results
1. Maximo Quiles (KTM) | 1:46.448
2. Valentin Perrone (KTM) | 1:46.745 (+0.297)
3. Guido Pini (KTM) | 1:46.856 (+0.408)
4. Angel Piqueras (KTM) | 1:46.870 (+0.422)
5. Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) | 1:46.999 (+0.551)
13. Alvaro Carpe (Red Bull KTM Ajo) | 1:47.623 (+1.175)

#99 JOSE ANTONIO RUEDA

“It’s a circuit unlike any other on the calendar, which makes it special. I’ve really liked it from the start, although it can be a bit narrow in places. I think it’s very good for Moto3, so I’m happy in that regard. As for the sessions today, in the morning we focused on completing as many laps as possible to understand the best lines and the best strategy line to follow. All the chicanes are very different, and we had to understand the best way to take on each one. In the afternoon, we were able to focus a little more on speed and got closer to the front, so we’re satisfied with the work we did. The improvement was evident, even though it was very windy, so we’re happy with the feeling and looking to take another step forward tomorrow.”

#83 ALVARO CARPE

“That’s the first day in Hungary done. We’ve worked really well, and now we just need to keep improving some things with the bike in order to be at 100% for Sunday. This seems like a karting track, but it’s fun and I enjoyed myself. I think that we can adapt very well to its characteristics, so we will keep working to find the best feeling and be up there in the front group on Sunday. We’re in Q2 once again, but we’re still missing a little bit of speed to be able to fight for Pole Position; tomorrow we will have two opportunities to find that and to be where we want.”