Moto2 Styria FP1: Bezzecchi boiling in an incandescent session

It is under the influence of two riders in the colors of the Ajo KTM team that Moto2 resumes its debates in this Styrian Grand Prix. A domination which surprises even in the category paddock, but which is nevertheless very real. The title is currently being played out between the two teammates Remy Gardner and Raul Fernandez who have every chance of continuing their relationship in MotoGP next year under the Tech3 KTM awning...

Six weeks have passed since the last Grand Prix and the two men in the Red Bull KTM Garlic intend to resume the fight where they left off. Although each of them had three victories, the Australian was nevertheless more consistent, with a record of eight podiums in nine races. His lead amounts to 31 points over the box companion Raul Fernandez.

Marco Bezzecchi (Sky Racing Team VR46) could see himself playing spoilsport. Currently third in the Championship, he has already triumphed on this Austrian track, whether in Moto2 or Moto3. This season, his tally remains hopelessly stuck at zero wins, despite the fact that he has never finished worse than fifth.

Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing), which experienced a slight slump in the Le Mans and Mugello events, is gradually returning to the forefront. The Briton is isolated in fourth position.

Behind, however, a platoon was formed, led by Fabio DiGiannantonio (Federal Oil Gresini Moto2). The Italian, who made three mistakes in four meetings, will be keen to make amends, especially since Marcel Schrötter (Liqui Moly Intact GP) is now becoming more and more threatening. His last podium dates from the 2021 Austrian Grand Prix.

Aron Canet (Aspar Team Moto2), author of his very first pole in Moto2 precisely on this route, also hopes to bounce back there, to the extent that he was trapped in Assen. Conversely, Augusto Fernandez (ELF Marc VDS Racing) has just returned to the podium. Here he is now tied with Xavi Verge (Petronas Sprinta Racing) and Joe Roberts (Italtran Racing Team), determined to put an end to this series of retirements.

What will this have in store for us? Grand Prix of Styria who opens the last part of this season? To find out, you have to start with this FP1. Here is the table which summarizes the facts known so far.

Moto2™ Red Bull Ring 2	2020	2021
FP1	1'28.733 Sam Lowes	1'29.115 Marco Bezzecchi
FP2	1'29.092 Marco Bezzecchi
FP3	1'28.501 Jorge Martin
Q1	1'29.226 Somkiat Chantra
Q2	1'28.787 Arón Canet
Warm-up	1'28.666 Arón Canet
Course	Bezzecchi, Martin, Gardner
All time lap record	1'28.501 Jorge Martin 2020

23.3° in the air and 26.3° on the track, all under a blue sky, are the conditions offered to the pilots for the 40 minutes of exercise. Among the workforce, we note the presence of a Sam Lowes which therefore a priori no longer has any problem of residence permit in Europe as a British subject.

The first reference of choice goes to Virgin in 1'30.633. His teammate Jake dixon improves to 1'30.127. But it's Bezzecchi who seems the most determined with a 1'29.812 signed after 10 minutes of play. Virgin fall at turn 5.

The VR46 rider who is said to be promised to a Yamaha Petronas in MotoGP in 2022 continues his festival by bringing the mark to 1'29.342. Raul fernandez follows as Dixon, Virgo, Augusto Fernandez, Sam Lowes et Dalla Porta. During this time, we bleed the brakes Remy gardner...

Bezzecchi puts on a show again and again and is already titillating Raul fernandez on the track. Halfway through the session, the Italian still leads but ahead Augusto Fernandez et Lüthi. Raul Fernandez et Dixon complete the top 5.

Beaubier is lucky in his misfortune while the last five minutes are underway…

In sight of the checkered flag, Augusto Fernandez slams a 1'29.195 which finally clinches Bezzecchi from the top of the table, but for 17 thousandths. Ai Ogura, the rookie, lands third.

Under the checkered flag, it's Bezzecchi who regains his property in 1'29.115. Augusto Fernandez, Canet, Dalla Porta et Sam Lowes close the top 5. Ogura, the championship leader Gardner, Raul Fernandez his challenger, Manzi et NAVARRO complete the top 10. The 14th and therefore potentially last qualifier in Q2 is Lüthi.

Styrian Moto1 Grand Prix FP2 Standings at Red Bull Ring:

Classification credit: MotoGP.com