KTM continues to dominate the field as top riders pull their way out of Q1.
Q1
Unlike the usual waiting games that we see in Moto2, the German GP track provides little help to those in the slipstream. The best a rider can get from another is the reference. But with the drama between Race Direction and Moto3, the riders should be careful.
Some of the big names in Q1 are: Tony Arbolino, Bo Bendsneyder, Marco Bezzecchi and Stefano Manzi. They are going to want to battle their way into the top four spots, which will then get them into Q2 to battle it out for pole position.
Right as qualifying opens, both Sky VR46 riders head out and get to work, trailing Albert Arenas from a distance. We usually see the team work have a great affect on times and performance, especially in Moto3 where both Gresini riders teamed up during a race. The VR46 riders are surely hoping to use each other for reference that will get both of them into the next qualifying session.
Bendsneyder is leading the pack with Bezzecchi, Aaron Canet and Arenas in the remaining spots that will get them into Q2.
As Bezzecchi is leading Celestino Vietti, he goes too wide and ends up in the gravel. He saves it, but Vietti loses his reference and heads back into pitlane.
While the top four remains the same, there are many riders who are pushing, but cannot find the fastest line. One of those riders is the American Cameron Beaubier, who has suffered all weekend long. As the Saschenring is a notoriously difficult track when it comes to tires and how it affects the body, it is unsurprising that we see so many riders struggling. With more left hand turns than right and the drastic elevation changes, the German GP is not an easy one.
The only rider who seems to be able to break into the top four is Lorenzo Dalla Porta. He has the ability to make it into Q2, but he needs to push himself. Dalla Porta loses a lot of time in the 3rd sector. He has one more sector to pull through.
And he barely misses out on the top four.
The group going through to Q2 are Bendsneyder, Bezzecchi, Canet, and Arenas.
Q2
The riders head out for the final qualifying session with little doubt that the KTM boys are going to take it. The last four pole positions have gone to them- so is there anyone that can compete?
Marcel Schrotter, Tony Arbolino and the team are going to want to see some good results. This is their team’s and Schrotter’s home race, and while he doesn’t usually win, he does well at gaining points.
Gardern, Fernandez and Di Giannantonio are topping the time sheets. These are names that are common for the top spots.
On the other hand, Sam Lowes crashes out of Q2, to add to all his troubles. Yesterday, he suffered from a brutal crash that left him with a sore neck. He is currently in 7th place and his championship run seems ever less likely.
The session is overall slow, but there very well could be an exciting last few laps.
Raul Fernandez takes a new all time lap record, a 1:23:397 around the Saschenring. Is this game over for the others?
It is!
Our top three are: Fernandez, Di Giannantonio and Gardner.
Will we get a new winner tomorrow, or will KTM continue their domination in Moto2?
Tune in tomorrow to find out!
