It is with a new leader in its general classification that Moto2 arrives in Austria. Indeed, during the last meeting at Silverstone, Celestino Vietti (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) for the first time relinquished the lead of the Championship to Augusto Fernández (Red Bull KTM Ajo). The latter was flawless in the three previous races.
Ai Ogura (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) also took the opportunity to pass, without needing to climb on the podium. 13 and 15 units separate them from the new leader. Aron Canet (Flexbox HP40) and Tony Arbolino (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) are still in the Top 5.
You will therefore have to follow this Austrian Grand Prix on the Red Bull Ring to find out the rest of these exciting events. It starts with this FP1. What will she have in store for us? Before answering this question, here is the table which summarizes the facts known so far, but without the new chicane which will redistribute the cards in front of the timing cell.
Moto2™ Red Bull Ring |
Austria 2021 |
Austria 2022 (New chicane) |
FP1 |
1'28.887 Ai Ogura |
1'35.000 Jake Dixon |
FP2 |
1'28.967 Remy Gardner |
|
FP3 |
1'28.153 Remy Gardner |
|
Q1 |
1'29.164 Stefano Manzi |
|
Q2 |
1'28.659 Sam Lowes |
|
Warm up |
1'28.953 Augusto Fernández |
|
Course |
R. Fernandez, Ogura, A. Fernandez (See here) |
|
All time lap record |
1'28.153 Remy Gardner |
The sky is overcast but the temperatures are mild and above all the track is dry for the category which is thus beginning its Austrian Grand Prix. Peter Acosta will be there, having finally been declared fit, while Sam Lowes is withdrawn due to injury.
Very important # Moto2 FP1 session has just begun 🔥
With rain on the forecast, this early session could be vital ⚔️#AustrianGP ???????? pic.twitter.com/r5zweo5kqn
- MotoGP @ 🏁 (@MotoGP) August 19, 2022
It is Albert Arenas in 1'35.942 which achieves the first reference in front Augusto Fernandez who nevertheless responded with a 1'35.706. Chantra, Arbolino et Ogura close the first top 5.
The World Championship leader has staked his claim 🙌@Afernandez37 is currently the fastest intermediate rider to tackle the new Red Bull Ring layout 💪#AustrianGP ???????? pic.twitter.com/2w07QGcc0t
- MotoGP @ 🏁 (@MotoGP) August 19, 2022
Halfway through the session, Augusto Fernandez is always in charge, in front Arenas, But also Lopez, the hero of Silverstone with the SpeedUp, Dallas Port et Arbolino. Drive is only 14th, Canet 10th
Weirdest game of Rock, Paper, Scissors ever 😂#AustrianGP ???????? pic.twitter.com/uBhjNT4nl5
- MotoGP @ 🏁 (@MotoGP) August 19, 2022
Ogura begins the last part of the exercise by going back to fifth, whileAldeguer takes second place with the SpeedUp. Augusto Fernandez brings the mark to 1'35.318. It's four tenths better thanAldeguer. Acosta is 18th.
Want to take a closer look at the new chicane? 👀
Ride on board with Vietti for a riders eye view of the new track addition 🔥#AustrianGP ???????? pic.twitter.com/0Kcd7GS8fE
- MotoGP @ 🏁 (@MotoGP) August 19, 2022
The last five are started with a Salac which emerges in the leading trio. Arenas is 34 thousandths closer to the championship leader. NAVARRO fall and under the checkered flag, it's Jake dixon who carries out the heist in 1'35.000. Augusto Fernandez, Dalla Porta, Arenas en Chantra follow. Ogura is sixth, Drive eighth and Canet 13th just ahead Acosta.
Not the best way to end FP1 💥@Jorge_Navarro9 is but up and walking 🙌#AustrianGP ???????? pic.twitter.com/SaM8CySgOg
- MotoGP @ 🏁 (@MotoGP) August 19, 2022
Results from FP1 of the Austrian Moto2 Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring:
Classification credit: MotoGP.com