An opening day of two halves for the Moto3 field but a familiar result at the chequered flag as David Almansa (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) once again set the Friday pace to lead the way in Practice. A damp start to the day in FP1 soon dried out for Practice where Almansa likewise shone but for Alvaro Carpe (Red Bull KTM Ajo), a far from easy day as he could only take P18.
After damp but dry running in the morning that left him 16th, Almansa came good once again on Friday afternoon with top honours once again. He was the only rider in the 1’40s with a 1’40.767 being strong enough to edge out Joel Kelso (GRYD Racing). The Australian was fastest in the morning and bagged himself a Q2 spot whilst just behind, Championship leader Maximo Quiles (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) left it late to pop up into P3. He sat out the trickier morning session but that didn’t hinder the #28.
Quiles’ teammate Marco Morelli was also strong throughout the course of Practice and took fourth at the chequered flag, ahead of rookie Rico Salmela (Red Bull KTM Tech3) and his teammate Valentin Perrone. Matteo Bertelle (LEVLUP-MTA) and his teammate Joel Esteban were P7 and P9 respectively, split by Eddie O’Shea (GRYD Racing).
There was a big crash in the closing stages of the session for Brian Uriarte (Red Bull KTM Ajo), who highsided on the exit of Turn 13 on a flying lap. He was OK but it was session over for him whilst his teammate made it a session to forget for the team as Alvaro Carpe missed the Q2 places. Stranded outside the top 14 as the session neared its end, the #83 was 18th and thus finds himself in Q1 for the first time since Barcelona. Other riders joining include Adrian Cruces (CIP GreenPower), Hakim Danish (AEON Credit – MT Helmets – MSI) and Guido Pini (Leopard Racing).
Full Moto3 Practice results from Misano