After an eventful first day which revealed an extremely tight field, the Moto2 warriors are back on the Bugatti circuit at Le Mans. Yesterday, Filip Salač (QJMotor Gresini Moto2) set the fastest time in P1, while Sam Lowes (Elf MarcVDS Racing Team)
rose to the top of the sheet in P2. If both men are very fast, they are not the only ones. Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo), current championship leader, was still very well placed.
The threat can come from Tony Arbolino (Elf MarcVDS Racing Team), but also Jake Dixon (GasGas Aspar Team), Alonso Lopez (LightTech Speed Up Racing) or even Celestine Vietti (Fantic Racing). It remains to be seen who will qualify directly for Q2. Reply in a few minutes.
Before answering this question, here is the table which summarizes the facts known so far.
|
Moto2™ Le Mans |
2022 |
2023 |
| FP1 |
1'36.108 Somkiat Chantra |
1'36.658 Filip Salač |
| FP2 |
1'36.030 Augusto Fernandez |
1'36.178 Sam Lowes |
| FP3 |
1'35.861 Pedro Acosta |
1'39.171 Somkiat Chantra |
| Q1 |
1'36.259 Lorenzo Dalla Porta |
|
| Q2 |
1'36.803 Pedro Acosta |
|
| warm up |
1'36.343 Pedro Acosta |
XXXXXXXXXX |
| Course |
Augusto Fernández, Canet, Chantra |
|
| All time lap record |
1'35.861 Pedro Acosta (2022) |
As in Moto3, the track conditions remain quite tricky. The asphalt is fresh, so be careful not to trip over yourself just before qualifying. Barry Baltus (Fieten Olie Racing GP) is the first to register a significant time.
Off we go! 💨# Moto2 P3 is starting in chilly Le Mans! 🥶#FrenchGP 🇫🇷 | # GP1000 pic.twitter.com/oqg8UCsdGv
- MotoGP @ 🏁 (@MotoGP) May 13, 2023
Positions change frequently, particularly to the advantage of Tony Arbolino et Alonso Lopez. As in Moto3, it seems that the times set yesterday are not beaten, and therefore, that the drivers directly qualified yesterday for Q2 remain so. Fermin Aldeguer (LightTech Speed Up Racing) is also very fast. Some, like Somkiat Chantra (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) don't want to take any risks.
Wake @somkiat35 up when the track dries out 😂💤#FrenchGP 🇫🇷 | # GP1000 pic.twitter.com/JcfoGVEg2k
- MotoGP @ 🏁 (@MotoGP) May 13, 2023
Note the fine performance of Barry Baltus, second to a few thousandths of Fermín Aldeguer 15 minutes from time. The track is improving, and the best time will undoubtedly be the work of the last one who will be able to benefit from a clear lap. Moreover, the first rays of sun are finally peeking out.
Peter Acosta enters the dance but it is impossible to note all the changes of positions as there are so many. However, both pilots Boscoscuro seem most comfortable, even if Sergio Garcia (Pons Wegow Los40) also rises to the top.
First fall after 28 minutes, that of Borja Gomez (Fantic Racing), at the Dunlop level. Just after, his teammate Celestino Vietti is also on the mat, in the same place.
A late T3 crash for Celestino Vietti 💥
- MotoGP @ 🏁 (@MotoGP) May 13, 2023
He's all okay and back on his feet 👍#FrenchGP 🇫🇷 | # GP1000 pic.twitter.com/ReMySEku3Q
Finally, it is Somkiat Chantra who takes the lead in the final moments! Yellow flags waved at the end prevent others from improving. Tony Arbolino is second, followed by Sean Dylan Kelly (American racing), who returned well after his two falls the day before.
That power nap gave him a proper boost! 💪@somkiat35 tops # Moto2 P3 in damp conditions 🔝#FrenchGP 🇫🇷 | # GP1000 pic.twitter.com/tKkNdYVSoH
- MotoGP @ 🏁 (@MotoGP) May 13, 2023
Results of P3 of the French Moto2 Grand Prix on the Bugatti circuit in Le Mans:
P3 Le Mans Moto2 Ranking Credit: motogp.com
