Moto2 Qatar FP1: Augusto Fernandez sets the pace in FP1

Augusto Fernandez continues the Red Bull KTM Ajo domination in FP1 at Qatar.

Augusto Fernandez has taken over from Remy Gardner and Raul Fernandez in the Red Bull KTM Ajo squad and leads the first session of the year following a season of 1-2’s last year, Fernandez is one of the biggest title contenders in Moto2 this year and looks unphased in the first session of the season, he led British rider Jake Dixon who has made a return to the Aspar team and already looks to be a podium contender, the pair were split by just 0.139 seconds.

He had a stellar end to the season last year as he finally got to grips with Moto2 and this year looks to be a force, we are talking about Celestino Vietti, as he proved in Moto3 he has unbelievable talent and is a rider who can produce results right from the get-go, he’s done that here in FP1 with a strong P3 in FP1 ahead of starlet Fermin Aldeguer on the Speed Up, the 16-year-old rider in fourth place, the kids fast there’s no doubt of that.

Rounding out the top 5 was Aron Canet on the Kalex leading fastest rookie Pedro Acosta, despite being a rookie Acosta’s name is in the mouth of many that believe he can repeat history again and become only the second double consecutive rookie champion in the history of the sport taking two titles in two years. After his stunning Portimao performance whereby he took the lap record and topped the Moto2 test, he’s one to watch, he led Jorge Navarro then Ai Ogura who were split by only 0.002 seconds.

Rounding out the top 10 were the Marc VDS boys with Tony Arbolino the fastest rider of the two with Sam Lowes in P10 ahead of Cameron Beaubier.

Rookie Manuel Gonzalez looks hugely impressive in a super start of P14 with Barry Baltus also impressing in P16.

Full results – 

Featured image – MotoGP