Fernandez quickest, Ogura seventh in FP1

Augusto Fernandez has made a strong start to the Gran Premio Motul de la Comunitat Valenciana as he looks to convert the Moto2™ World Championship lead into title glory. Fernandez set the pace in FP1 with a 1:34.979 in what was a Red Bull KTM Ajo one-two, with Pedro Acosta claiming second at 0.227 seconds off the pace at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo. The teammates were not only quick, but also engaged in some formation flying as they traded top spot – a sign, perhaps, that Acosta will be charged with helping Fernandez in qualifying.

After a seesawing title battle of late in the intermediate class, it is only Idemitsu Honda Team Asia’s Ai Ogura who can possibly deny Fernandez the title, trailing the Spaniard by 9.5 points ahead of the final race of 2022. Ogura was classified seventh in FP1, 1.130 seconds off the pace set by the Championship leader. Ahead of him on the timesheet, it was Cameron Beaubier (American Racing) in third, 0.605 seconds behind Acosta, with the top five rounded out by Jake Dixon (Inde GASGAS Aspar Team) and Aron Canet (Flexbox HP40).

Good signs for Red Bull KTM Ajo and therefore for the man in the box seat for the crown, Fernandez, but Ogura will be looking to hit back in FP2. Catch that session later on Friday at 15:10 (GMT +1)!

Moto2™ FP1 Top 10:
1. Augusto Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Ajo) – 1:34.979
2. Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) + 0.227
3. Cameron Beaubier (American Racing) + 0.832
4. Jake Dixon (Inde GASGAS Aspar Team) + 1.076
5. Aron Canet (Flexbox HP40) + 1.111
6. Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) + 1.119
7. Ai Ogura (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) + 1.130
8. Somkiat Chantra (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) + 1.162
9. Albert Arenas (Inde GASGAS Aspar Team) + 1.250
10. Fermin Aldeguer (Beta Tools Speed Up) + 1.385

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