With a late rain shower during Moto2™ Practice, the standings were decided before the chequered flag as Aron Canet (Fantic Racing) topped the order. Getting out early, the Spaniard was able to sport a 0.192s lead ahead of the opposition and lead the charge into Saturday.
Canet got his time bagged early on his third lap of the session with a 1’41.210 seeing him safely through in P1. He went back out to the track late on to get a practice start complete but he was uncatchable at the front. Malaysian GP winner Jake Dixon (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) was second on the timing sheets, ahead of Albert Arenas (ITALJET Gresini Moto2) in his penultimate round of Moto2 action for the foreseeable.
Demoted from the Championship lead last time out, Manuel Gonzalez (LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP) came out the box fighting to secure fourth, ahead of teammate Senna Agius. There was late drama for Aspar duo Daniel Holgado (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team) and teammate David Alonso; Alonso crashed at Turn 3 under braking on damp kerb, crashing out. Just moments later, Holgado replicated the Colombian’s error but in a bid to save it, was highsided off his Kalex. Both were OK and debriefed their incidents together on the service road. Championship leader Diogo Moreira (Italtrans Racing Team) improved late to go P12 but will want more if he’s to wrap the title up this weekend.
Moto2 Practice results from Portimao!