A fast-paced session, KTM domination and a surprising third gives way to a sensation Moto2 qualifying session.
Q1
The one big name in the Moto2 Qualifying is Fabio Di Giannantonio, who suffered from a major crash in FP3 earlier in the day.
When the times first start rolling in, Thomas Luthi leads the pack with Hector Garzo, Di Giannantonio and Vierge following. This is the first weekend back for Luthi after the passing of Jason Dupasquier, who looked up to Luthi. He will race for Jason this weekend.
Looking back at the grid, Jake Dixon crashes out at Turn 5, going to hot into the turn and losing the front. It seems like his hopes of making it in the top four are slim with his bike not being able to be fixed quickly. Remember: the top four times in Moto2 Q1 go into Q2.
With six minutes to go in the session, Jorge Navarro is topping the time with Di Giannantonio, Chantra and Bulega in the top four. Luthi has fallen down to 8th.
A few riders are struggling in the session. The Catalunya GP is hit or miss with the riders. Being on of the few tracks that have more left hand turns that right, riders either love the track or don’t care much for it. With the newly established Turn 10, riders are have a better flowing track that saves them time on their laps.
As the checkered flag heads out, the top four does not change. We will have Navarro, Di Giannantonio, Chantra and Bulega head into Q2.
Q2
Ahead of the session, the favorites to take the top positions are Remy Gardner, last weeks race winner. His teammate Raul Fernandez is also a favorite, the KTM’s taking over Moto2.
On the other hand, both riders in the Marc VDS Racing Team need to do well in the session. While Sam Lowes has two DNF’s, Augusto Fernandez has three on the trot. They are both looking to improve and get a good position for tomorrow’s race.
Marco Bezzecchi is one of the favorites in this race, spending taking the beginning of the session trying not to get followed by other riders. Much like in the other levels, it happens to the top riders. It’s a part of the sport and doesn’t go against the rules, so there isn’t an issue unless a rider makes it one.
As the times begin to roll in with 10 minutes left in the session, the two KTM’s are at top, Gardner taking the top. Chantra is in third as Bo Bendsneyder takes 2nd from R. Fernandez. There is still plenty of time for the riders to improve.
Taking a look back at the Marc VDS riders, A. Fernandez has placed himself well in 4th while Lowes is in 7th. Joe Roberts is suffering, unable to make it past 17th.
As the final laps come in, Gardner makes it into the 1:42’s, the only one of the weekend. He takes pole position as R. Fernandez and Bendsneyder take 2nd and 3rd.
Will we get another KTM win, or can Bendsneyder take the win?
We’ll find out tomorrow.
