Gonzalez sets pole time in Austrian qualifying, Agius strong in row 2
Manuel Gonzalez made another clear statement with the fastest lap in Moto2 qualifying at the Red Bull Ring. However, a grid penalty imposed on Friday means the Spaniard will not be starting from pole: the championship leader will have to start Sunday's 13th race of the season from fourth place on the grid. LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP teammate Senna Agius impressed with sixth place, also securing a promising starting position in the second row.
23-year-old Manuel Gonzalez confirmed his role as top favourite in Spielberg. On Friday morning, he was initially in sixth place before riding more than half a second faster in qualifying and setting the fastest time overall. This secured him a place in Q2, where he once again set a blistering pace and secured pole position. However, after receiving a three-place grid penalty for Sunday's race, he will start the Austrian Grand Prix from fourth place on the second row, which does not dampen his confidence at all.
His teammate Senna Agius showed strong progress throughout the weekend. After finishing eighth in the first free practice session, he followed up with P12 on Saturday morning and P5 in FP2. In qualifying, the 20-year-old Australian crowned his performance with sixth place. His lap time of 1:33.117 was only 0.338 seconds slower than Gonzalez's best time – clear proof that he too is ready to attack in Sunday's 23-lap race, which starts at 12:15 p.m.
Everything points to an exciting Moto2 duel at the Red Bull Ring – with Gonzalez as the pole-fast favourite and Agius close behind.
Results
FP1
1. Filip SALAC/ CZE/ BOSCOSCURO – 1'33.427
2. Aron CANET/ SPA/ KALEX – 1'33.515 (+0.088)
3. David ALONSO/ COL/ KALEX – 1'33.561 (+0.13)
6. Manuel GONZALEZ/ SPA/ KALEX – 1'33.804 (+0.377)
8. Senna AGIUS/ AUS/ KALEX – 1'33.872 (+0.445)
Practice
1. Manuel GONZALEZ/ SPA/ KALEX – 1'33.290
2. Aron CANET/ SPA/ KALEX – 1'33.303 (+0.013)
3. Ivan ORTOLA/ SPA/ BOSCOSCURO – 1'33.367 1(+0.077)
12. Senna AGIUS/ AUS/ KALEX – 1'33.702 (+0.412)
FP2
1. Aron CANET/ SPA/ KALEX – 1'33.216
2. Albert ARENAS/ SPA/ KALEX – 1'33.225 (+0.009)
3. Manuel GONZALEZ/ SPA/ KALEX – 1'33.266 (+0.050)
4. Celestino VIETTI/ ITA/ BOSCOSCURO – 1'33.284 (+0.068)
5. Senna AGIUS/ AUS/ KALEX – 1'33.349 (+0.133)
Q2
1. Manuel GONZALEZ/ SPA/ KALEX – 1'32.779
2. Daniel HOLGADO/ SPA/ KALEX – 1'32.873 (+0.094)
3. Diogo MOREIRA/ BRA/ KALEX – 1'32.977 (+0.198)
6. Senna AGIUS/ AUS/ KALEX – 1'33.117 (+0.338)
