On the first day of Catalan GP, the good work that many teams, including Red Bull KTM Ajo, carried out at the end of May in a test, paid off with fast times. The Moto2 field had adapted well to the new asphalt and a new Turn 13 at the Barcelona-Catalunya Circuit, and the pace was so even that the tenth best time, set by Miguel Oliveira, was just 351 thousandths of a second off the top spot.
The setup worked on in the test allowed the Red Bull KTM Ajo duo to head the timesheets in the opening minutes of the FP1. Miguel Oliveira made just a single stop in the pits after long runs, ending the session with new tyres, in eighth -1:44.576.
The 44°C track temperature provided a new variable for FP2. It meant that very few riders would lower their previous times, and Miguel Oliveira was thousands of a second off doing so. Back among the fastest riders and still inside the Top 10, Miguel Oliveira was fifth -1:44.592-. The Portuguese suffered a crash on the fast Turn 9 with 6 minutes remaining, but escaped unharmed.
Miguel Oliveira #44
“It has been a very good day, I felt very comfortable with the bike at all times. In FP2 the conditions were more difficult but we matched our times, which is very positive. When we put on the new tyre I was pushing hard, and on my first lap I lost the front on a fast corner and unfortunately went down. I hit my right elbow, which has swollen up, but it isn't anything serious and tomorrow we will be able to work like always. We have a good pace; the crash prevented me from looking for our fastest lap, but I am very happy about how the bike is behaving.
Doing the test here three weeks ago has helped, as we have been able to find our way much more easily. Tomorrow we have to continue like that”
Moto2 qualifying takes place tomorrow at 2:05pm Portuguese local time, and Miguel Oliveira will look for a position on the starting grid higher up than at Mugello a fortnight ago
Results (Combined practice times FP1-FP2)
1. Francesco Bagnaia (Kalex) 1:44.225
2. Alex Marquez (Kalex) +0.115
3. Marcel Schrotter (Kalex) +0.115
4. Joan Mir (Kalex) +0.115
5. Augusto Fernandez (Kalex) +0.135
10. Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Ajo) +0.351