Moto3: Andrea Migno tops FP3
By Admin
Andrea Migno topped the session as the last 5-minute mad rush. He decided to go it alone and set a very good lap time to fly into Q2.
Clear skies above the Autódromo Internacional de Algarve set the scene for FP3 – qualifying for qualifying.
Indonesian Racing Gresini Moto3 rider, Gabriel Rodrigo set the early pace. He led for the first 10 minutes of the session and looks strong for this weekend’s race. He finished the session in 2nd behind Rivacold Snipers rider Andrea Migno by less than a tenth of a second
Honda Team Asia rider Andi Farid Izdahar was well in the top 10 for the start of the session but slipped down the order as the session went on. He is showing signs of getting to grips with Moto3 after struggling in Moto2.
Red Bull KTM Ajo duo, Jaume Masia and championship leader Pedro Acosta had steady starts to the session and finished up in 3rd and 4th respectively. They are certainly a force and look in a good position for qualifying. Acosta already looks like the real deal. He has a very good riding style, backing into corners and wrestling the bike around this beautiful circuit.
The Petronas Sprinta Moto3 had very differing sessions. Darryn Binder looked strong in 5th, but it doesn’t really matter where he qualifies because as we see on a regular basis, he’ll be up the sharp end in the race regardless. Brit, John McPhee just crept into Q2 in 14th. He has a pitlane start and a 10 second penalty, so a good points haul isn’t going to be an easy task.
Avintia Esponsorama Moto3 rider Niccolo Antonelli had a tumble at Turn 3 towards the middle of the session. He was slightly off-line and tucked the front, mid-corner. He finished in 8th so has advanced to Q2. His teammate, Carlos Tatay just missed out on the top 14 and didn’t advance.
Italy’s Romano Fenati’s troubles continue as he as to go through Q1 after finishing the session in 17th. He had a spill at Turn 13 at the end of the session and looked far from happy as he trundled down pitlane. The rear end came around and he gently slid across the tarmac.
Japanese rider Tatsuki Suzuki also had a spill at Turn 8. He lost the front end as he tipped in and slithered off into the gravel, but he is in Q2 and is looking to get back to his old self.
We’re now all set for qualifying. It’s going to be an intriguing session and sure to be manic! Qualifying is at 12.40pm (GMT + 1).
Featured Image: MotoGP.com