As cloudy skies once again prevailed over the Automotodrom Brno venue at the Monster Energy Grand Prix České republiky, Moto3™ took to the track for their second and final session of the day. With times improving and riders getting to grips with the Czech circuit, it was Gabriel Rodrigo (Kömmerling Gresini Moto3) taking top slot ahead of Tony Arbolino (VNE Snipers Team) and Tatsuki Suzuki (SIC58 Squadra Corse).
The session got off to a bang for Kazuki Masaki (BOE Skull Rider Mugen Race) and Darryn Binder (CIP Green Power), who crashed in separate accidents at Turn 5 and 7 respectively. Both riders were OK. More crashes would follow through the session, with Sergio García (Estrella Galicia 0,0) taking a big crash on the exit of Turn 7 before walking away, but going to the medical centre nevertheless.
With the session calming down in the final stages, Celestino Vietti (Sky Racing Team VR46) initially went top of the time sheets on combined times. Vietti was only 28th in the opening session, showing his ability in adapting to the technical Czech track. With inclement weather on the horizon for Saturday, quick times soon came in.
Contrasting emotions for @gabrirodrigo19! ????
— MotoGP™ ???????? (@MotoGP) August 2, 2019
Seconds after going fastest, the @GresiniRacing rider goes down! ????#CzechGP ???????? pic.twitter.com/qaiExh2xsn
Gabriel Rodrigo (Kömmerling Gresini Moto3) hit the top spot as the Argentine rider took advantage of the slipstream coming onto the front straight. However, a huge highside for the 22-year-old saw him hit the dirt at Turn 1 straight after going to the head of the timing tower; he headed to the medical centre. More carnage followed however, as Lorenzo Dalla Porta (Leopard Racing) took out Celestino Vietti at Turn 3, as the Italians came together. Dalla Porta concluded the session in sixth.
More late drama! ????
— MotoGP™ ???????? (@MotoGP) August 2, 2019
Championship leader @dallap48 tangles with Celestino Vietti! ????#CzechGP ???????? pic.twitter.com/GrJg8AqGkU
Tony Arbolino (VNE Snipers Team) was up in second position having languished down in 13th after FP1. Tatsuki Suzuki (SIC58 Squadra Corse) was third ahead of Vietti, who walked back from his collision with Dalla Porta. Completing the top five, Jaume Masia (Bester Capital Dubai), who was on top after FP1. The Spaniard showed strong pace and will be a force to be reckoned with for the remainder of the weekend.
Championship leader Aron Canet (Sterilgarda Max Racing Team) was seventh after his opening day of action in the Czech Republic, with Nicolo Antonelli (SIC58 Squadra Corse), Romano Fenati (VNE Snipers Team) and Marcos Ramirez (Leopard Racing) completing the overall top ten.
Honourable mentions outside of the top ten go to Filip Salac (Redox Prüstel GP), who was less than a second from the top time in fourteenth. Having all been inside the top five after FP1, John McPhee (Petronas Sprinta Racing), Ai Ogura (Honda Team Asia) and Andrea Migno (Bester Capital Dubai) were 11th, 12th and 13th on combined times.
#breakingnews @gabrirodrigo19 won’t take part to the rest of the #CzechGP due to a double fracture (right collarbone and pelvis). The Argentine rider will fly Today to Barcelona for further checks. pic.twitter.com/tzBGwLhczS
— Gresini Racing (@GresiniRacing) August 2, 2019
1. Gabriel Rodrigo (Kömmerling Gresini Moto3) 2:08.125
2. Tony Arbolino (VNE Snipers) + 0.200
3. Tatsuki Suzuki (SIC58 Squadra Corse) + 0.308
4. Celestino Vietti (SKY Racing Team VR46) + 0.394
5. Jaume Masia (Bester Capital Dubai) + 0.490
6. Lorenzo Dalla Porta (Leopard Racing) + 0.574
7. Aron Canet (Sterilgardar Max Racing Team) + 0.604
8. Niccolo Antonelli (SIC58 Squadra Corse) + 0.746
9. Romano Fenati (VNE Snipers) + 0.749
10. Marcos Ramirez (Leopard Racing) + 0.757
For full combined results, click here!