Ahead of the opening round of the 2023 campaign in Portimao next week, the Moto2™ and Moto3™ classes are at the Algarve International Circuit for three days of testing. It’s set to be a crucial fixture for both categories, as they look to get up to speed before the first lights out of the year.
After Day 1’s runs, Aron Canet (Pons Wegow Los40) set the quickest time on Friday, with the Spaniard’s 1:42.681 seeing him soar to the top of the timesheets in chilly conditions. It’s a strong start to the year for Canet, who will host title ambitions, but he is kept company in the top three by some of his fellow title rivals.
Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) was just two hundredths off of his compatriot, while the #37’s new teammate Albert Arenas was 0.289s behind on the combined timesheets. There were also strong starts to the campaign by Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) and Bo Bendsneyeder (Pertamina Mandalika SAG Team), who round out the top five times of Day 1 in the intermediate class. Friday’s action also saw former MotoGP™ rider Darryn Binder debut on Moto2™ machinery with Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP, but the South African didn’t trouble the quickest riders as he placed P19 on the timesheets.
In Moto3™, Jaume Masia’s return to Leopard Racing has gotten off to an excellent start, as he claimed top spot on Friday with a 1:48.416. Masia had 0.038s to spare over Rivacold Snipers new boy Romano Fenati, while Tatsuki Suzuki ensured both Leopard Hondas are inside the top three times. Riccardo Rossi (SIC58 Squadra Corse) and Dani Holgado (Red Bull KTM Tech3) complete the top five.
The action continues on Saturday, and motogp.com will be on hand to bring you a round up of the action at the end of the day as well as rider reaction, while you can also keep up to date with each session through Live Timing.