In the Moto3 and MotoGP clases there were clear margins for Rins and Márquez at the top, but things were a lot closer in Moto2. Each free practice session has had a different leader (Terol, Redding and Espargaró), and ultimately it was Redding who repeated the trick in QP. The lead was not changing much in the last part of qualifying, just like in Qatar, before the dying seconds things got interesting and Redding took pole ahead of Nakagami and Terol. The Briton took the glory with a great last lap effort but it looked like any of the top five might snatch it, meaning there is great interest in what should be an open race on Sunday.
It was at Valencia last year that Nico Terol was last on the front row, in fourth spot specifically. Today he picked up his best ever Moto2 qualifying result and his last front row start saw him reach the podium so he will aim to repeat that feat. The MAPFRE Aspar rider was fastest in FP1 and with the great pace he’s showing this weekend he has a shot at the podium again. Given his good record on American soil, where he took his first career win in 2008, he will push for another top result on Sunday. His teammate Jordi Torres, meanwhile, starts three rows further back. The rider from Rubí has taken steps forward throughout the weekend and will aim for the top ten in Sunday’s race. Starting from 12th he has some rear end improvements to make as he fights for a good finish.
3rd Nico Terol 2.11.287 (15 laps):
“We’ve had solid pace throughout the weekend and I’ve felt good since we got here. I felt good in Qatar too but the race wasn’t easy. Before qualifying my target was the front row, given how confident I’ve felt during practice. Since yesterday things have been working really well and I’m pleased to have taken third. Tyre wear is crucial here, I saw that today that even as grip improves the rubber degrades quickly. In warm up we’ll finalize our setting to take care of the tyres a bit more and in the race I’ll have to keep an eye on that aspect. It’s going to be a tough battle, we’ll have to fight hard but I’ll aim to find my pace and enjoy it as much as posible.”
12th Jordi Torres 2.12.346 (16 laps):
“We lost our way a bit yesterday so we went back to square one today and things got better. The front end still needs some work as its closing up at some points but it’s better than Friday. In the morning we worked on that a bit and in the afternoon we made some more gambles which paid off. I’m not happy with the grid spot but I’m pleased the feeling on the bike is improving. We have some ideas for the warmup so we’ll work on those and see what happens. I need to make sure I start well and don’t lose ground so I’ll be aiming to follow the riders in front of me. The race will be hard but I think we can do well.”
Mapfre Aspar Moto2 Press Release
You can give your opinion on our Facebook page here
Get the latest update on our Twitter page here
