MotoGP Qatar: KTM locks out Friday’s Moto2 with Fernandez in charge

It was Red Bull KTM at the front once more as 2022’s Moto2 action fired up on Friday morning, as new signing Augusto Fernandez took charge in Qatar.

Rookie sensation Pedro Acosta wasn’t far behind his new intermediate class teammate as just 0.160s separated him from the 1’59.112 overall target after two 40-minute session in the Doha desert. Liqui Moly Intact GP’s Marcel Schrotter claimed third after a steady rise through the standings across the opening day.

Jake Dixon challenged from the outset on his new Aspar GasGas machine, with just half a tenth separating him from Fernandez in the top two before the Brit claimed the lead and the Spaniard hit back thanks to a 2’00.885 as FP1 got underway.

Moto3 Champion Acosta looked ominous from the opening laps of his intermediate career sitting third on the second Ajo bike after ten minutes on track with Fermin Aldeguer impressing in fourth.

Tony Arbolino threw himself into the mix at the halfway stage on the Elf Marc VDS machine, claiming third, his teammate Sam Lowes circulating in 12th just nine-tenths adrift as he navigated the Lusail layout and his ongoing tendonitis complications.

Dixon proved to be enjoying his first visit to Qatar free from injury as he pushed the pace with 20 minutes to go, just 0.013s separating him from Fernandez at the top once again with the only 2’00 laps seen so far, Aldeguer a further three-tenths back on the Speed Up.

Celestino Vietti looked to challenge before the final runs began, the Mooney VR46 rider claiming third with a 2’01.007 as the pack returned to pitlane. The action resuming as Lowes hit fourth, a tenth and a half from the fastest target with Aron Canet following narrowly behind.

The Italian progressed from fifth to third as the clock