Gonzalez claims fourth place on the starting grid in Indonesia
The tropical heat at the Mandalika International Circuit posed major challenges for the LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP Moto2 team this weekend. But Manuel Gonzalez was not fazed and secured a top starting position in row 2 with a strong fourth place. Qualifying was less successful for his teammate Senna Agius: in Q1, the young Australian was unable to find a clear lap and was therefore unable to reach his full potential. He will start Sunday's 18th race of the season from 22nd place on row 8.
Once again, Manuel Gonzalez is one of the riders to beat on Sunday. The Spaniard already impressed with fastest times and a new lap record in Friday's qualifying and Saturday morning's FP2, before setting the course for the race in the decisive Q2. The 23-year-old led the field at times during the 15-minute qualifying session, but was narrowly beaten in the final metres. With him at the front of the second row, World Championship rival Diogo Moreira on pole is in direct reach – a clear indication of how close the competition is and that we can expect an exciting race on Sunday at 1:15 p.m. local time (7:15 a.m. CEST).
The Indonesian circuit proved to be a tough test for Senna Agius. After a solid twelfth place in the first free practice session, the Australian fell back to 25th in qualifying and had to take the detour via Q1. On Saturday, the 20-year-old showed further improvement and finished FP2 in 12th place, fuelling hopes of reaching Q2. In Q1, Agius was well on his way to qualifying for Q2 with some fast laps, but was unable to complete his task. This ultimately earned him 22nd place on the grid and row 8 – a challenging starting point for the gruelling 22-lap race.
Results
FP1
1. Celestino VIETTI/ ITA/ BOSCOSCURO – 1'33.245
2. Manuel GONZALEZ/ SPA/ KALEX – 1'33.396 (+0.151)
3. Daniel HOLGADO/ SPA/ KALEX – 1'33.449 (+0.204)
12. Senna AGIUS/ AUS/ KALEX – 1'33.921 (+0.676)
PR
1. Manuel GONZALEZ/ SPA/ KALEX – 1'32.996
2. Daniel HOLGADO/ SPA/ KALEX – 1'33.186 (+0.190)
3. Daniel MUÑOZ/ SPA/ KALEX – 1'33.251 (+0.255)
25. Senna AGIUS/ AUS/ KALEX – 1'34.062 (+1.066)
FP2
1. Manuel GONZALEZ/ SPA/ KALEX – 1'32.597
2. Diogo MOREIRA/ BRA/ KALEX – 1'32.905 (+0.308)
3. Daniel HOLGADO/ SPA/ KALEX – 1'32.959 (+0.362)
12. Senna AGIUS/ AUS/ KALEX – 1'33.336 (+0.739)
Q1
1. Alex ESCRIG/ SPA/ FORWARD – 1'32.876
2. Filip SALAC/ CZE/ BOSCOSCURO – 1'32.990 (+0.114)
3. Izan GUEVARA/ SPA/ BOSCOSCURO – 1'33.052 (+0.176
8. Senna AGIUS/ AUS/ KALEX – 1'33.210 (+0.334)
Q2
1. Diogo MOREIRA/ BRA/ KALEX – 1'32.341
2. David ALONSO/ COL/ KALEX – 1'32.499 (+0.158)
3. Izan GUEVARA/ SPA/ BOSCOSCURO – 1'32.516 (+0.175)
4. Manuel GONZALEZ/ SPA/ KALEX – 1'32.598 (+0.257)