Gonzalez back on the front row, Agius within striking distance in P7
As the season progresses, it was crucial for title contender Manuel Gonzalez to secure a front row start for the 16th round at the demanding Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli. The championship leader qualified in third place, while teammate Senna Agius will start the San Marino Grand Prix from seventh place on the third row.
After a difficult qualifying session at his home Grand Prix in Barcelona, Manuel Gonzalez made a strong comeback in Italy. He already made a statement on Friday by taking first place in the first free practice session. With second place in practice, he advanced directly to Q2, where he secured third place on the grid with a lap time of 1:34.291 – just 0.075 seconds behind pole-setter Daniel Holgado. The 23-year-old expects a long and physically demanding race, but feels well prepared from his starting position to fight for the podium again.
Senna Agius also delivered a consistent improvement throughout the weekend. Fifth place in the first Friday session fuelled hopes of a top result early on. He finished ninth in practice, putting him straight into Q2. There, the young Australian improved again and secured seventh place on the grid – just 0.190 seconds behind the fastest time. With the race pace he achieved in FP2, Agius is confident that he can also play a strong role in the closely contested Moto2 field.
The Moto2 race starts on Sunday at 12:15 pm and comprises 22 laps.
Results
FP1
1. Manuel GONZALEZ/ SPA/ KALEX – 1'34.977
2. Jake DIXON/ GBR/ BOSCOSCURO – 1'35.143 (+0.166)
3. Diogo MOREIRA/ BRA/ KALEX – 1'35.250 (+0.273)
4. Celestino VIETTI/ ITA/ BOSCOSCURO – 1'35.323 (+0.346)
5. Senna AGIUS/ AUS/ KALEX – 1'35.393 (+0.416)
PR
1. Celestino VIETTI/ ITA/ BOSCOSCURO – 1'34.650
2. Manuel GONZALEZ/ SPA/ KALEX – 1'34.747 (+0.097)
3. Daniel HOLGADO/ SPA/ KALEX – 1'34.855 (+0.205)
9. Senna AGIUS/ AUS/ KALEX – 1'35.069 (+0.419)
FP2
1. Celestino VIETTI/ ITA/ BOSCOSCURO – 1'34.624
2. Jake DIXON/ GBR/ ELF BOSCOSCURO – 1'34.685 (+0.061)
3. Tony ARBOLINO/ ITA/ BOSCOSCURO – 1'34.855 (+0.231)
13. Senna AGIUS/ AUS/ KALEX – 1'35.214 (+0.590)
16. Manuel GONZALEZ/ SPA/ KALEX – 1'35.268 (+0.644)
Q2
1. Daniel HOLGADO/ SPA/ KALEX – 1'34.216
2. Celestino VIETTI/ ITA/ BOSCOSCURO – 1'34.256 (+0.040)
3. Manuel GONZALEZ/ SPA/ KALEX – 1'34.291 (+0.075)
7. Senna AGIUS/ AUS/ KALEX – 1'34.406 (+0.190)
