The Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2 duo make their way provisionally into Qualifying 2, after a positive opening day at the Italian Grand Prix.

The Italian Grand Prix got underway well for the Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2, who had a promising opening day at the Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello on Friday. After FP1 and FP2, Raul Fernandez and Remy Gardner occupied the second and the seventh place, respectively, on the combined timesheets, earning them a provisional spot in Qualifying 2 on Saturday.

The Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2 duo were very competitive in the opening session of the day, and were two of the strongest riders throughout the FP1. Gardner was just two tenths of a second off the fastest time, placing second thanks to a 1:51.984. The Australian completed 14 productive laps of Mugello. Putting in 17 laps was his teammate, Fernandez, who continued his excellent form and finished fourth – three tenths off the top spot with a 1:52.131.

In the afternoon, Fernandez dominated the first half of the FP2, besting his time from the morning. Finally, the Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2 rookie was second after stopping the clock at 1:51.569, just one tenth behind the pacesetter. Gardner rode a further 16 laps and concluded the session in seventh place with a 1:52.056.

Remy Gardner and Raul Fernandez will have a final Free Practice tomorrow morning, before heading into the fight for the pole position. Moto2 Q1 will start at 3:10 PM, followed by Q2 at 3:35 PM.

Results (Combined practice times FP1-FP2)

1. Sam Lowes (Kalex) 1:51.385
2. Raul Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 1:51.569 +0.184
3. Jorge Navarro (Boscoscuro) 1:51.693 +0.308
4. Joe Roberts (Kalex) 1:51.746 +0.361
5. Marco Bezzecchi (Kalex) 1:51.850 +0.465
7. Remy Gardner (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 1:51.984 +0.599

87 REMY GARDNER

“The end of the day was a bit tough for us. On the last run I tried to push to the fullest and I was setting a good pace. However, on the last corner we had a small issue and I was not able to lower my time. Now we have to continue working ahead of tomorrow and improve some aspects. In any case, I am happy to be here at Mugello and I can’t wait to continue riding tomorrow.”

25 RAUL FERNANDEZ

“The first day went well and I’m very happy. After the FP1, I felt some discomfort in my arm, but we were able to solve the problem and I felt strong in FP2. We have a good setup for the bike and that makes me feel confident for tomorrow. We will try to get a positive result in qualifying for Sunday’s grid. Other than that, I want to continue enjoying myself with the team, as having a great connection with them is important.”