Moto2 Qatar 2 FP2: Raul Fernandez without complexes

Fabio Di Giannantonio (Federal Oil Gresini Moto2) got off to a good start in this Doha Grand Prix which follows that of Qatar this weekend on the same Losail track. The one who finished third in the inaugural event of the season moved to the top of the FP1 timesheet with a time of 1'59.931 which Marco Bezzecchi only missed by 45 thousandths. But it is this FP2 which will count from now on for direct entry for Q2 on Saturday…

An opportunity to also think about Joe Roberts (Italtrans Racing Team) which is in third position, thanks to a last minute improvement which pushed back last week's winner, Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing) in fourth place.

Behind, we find the rookie Raul Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Ajo), accompanied byAron Canet (Solunion Aspar Team). The beginner Ai Ogura (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) took seventh fastest time with his rookie status. Xavi Verge (Petronas Sprinta Racing), Nicholas Bulega (Federal Oil Gresini Moto2) and Marcel Schrötter (Liqui Moly Intact GP) complete the Top 10 this FP1. But what will this FP2 have in store for us? Doha Grand Prix. Before answering this question, here is the table which summarizes the facts known so far.

Qatar 1 Moto2	2021 GP1	2021 GP2
FP1	2'00.305 Marco Bezzecchi	1'59.931 Fabio Di Giannantonio
FP2	1'58.959 Sam Lowes	1'58.541 Raul Fernandez
FP3	2'00.335 Arón Canet
Q1	1'59.354 Fabio Di Giannantonio
Q2	1'58.726 Sam Lowes
Warm Up	2'00.332 Joe Roberts
Course	Lowes, Gardner, Di Giannantonio
All time lap record	1'58.136 Joe Roberts 2020

26.6° in the air and 31.6° on the track are the conditions offered to pilots.

Sam Lowes opens his exercise with a new starting procedure, as during FP1. The first reference is signed by Raul fernandez, the rookie in 1'59.512. But it doesn't last long. Drive goes to 1'59.315. By Giannantonio puts an end to this beginner's ball after ten minutes by achieving 1'59.058. This is two tenths less than Bezzecchi. Vietti, Joe Roberts et Schrotter form the first top 5.

Open up fall at turn 5 while Sam Lowes registered sixth. Remy gardner, he goes back to second. The mid-session arrived with a Drive rookie and in great shape.

The hierarchy remains stable and as the last quarter of an hour begins, the majority of the field is in the pits. We are preparing for the hunt for the clock...

A hunt that the rookie takes to heart Raul Fernandez who takes the lead with his 1'58.541. This is half a second better than his elders and he is the only one under the 1'59 mark. He is already faster than last Saturday's pole position at the same place. Red Bull driver Ajo is in a state of grace.

Under the checkered flag, Raul fernandez keep your advantage ahead By Giannantonio et Remy gardner again beaten by his young teammate. Bezzecchi et Roberts are in the top 5. Ogura is sixth ahead Sam Lowes. Vietti, Schrotter et Open up are in the top 10. The top 14 is completed by the American Beaubier which therefore temporarily pushes back Xavi Verge in Q1. Jake Dixon, 18th will also be there as well as Bendsneyder.

Moto2 Qatar 2 FP2: times

Classification credit: MotoGP.com