Another Q2 classification for Pol Espargaro in Catalunya

MotoGP discovered more sunshine and high speed for the second meeting in succession with the Gran Premio de Catalunya – being held for the 28th year at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya a short distance from the Mediterranean city – following the visit to Italy two weeks earlier.

Red Bull KTM had to negotiate a slick and tricky course and search for grip at what was only their third visit to the popular venue. Pol Espargaro was rapid throughout Free Practice to secure a Q2 slot. Espargaro completed 7 laps in the short 12 minute session and managed his best on the last attempt but was just over half a second from the front row.

Pol Espargaro:

“Good to be in Q2 again but honestly this is the toughest race for us and where we have always suffered a lot. On my fast lap I saw yellow flags in front of me from [Alex] Rins, I was on the back straight and coming-in so hot – three tenths faster to be P8 or P9 –  I was almost crashing so I had to cancel my lap. I pushed for another one but could do nothing more than the lap I made. I think it will be important to finish the race tomorrow because it will be super-slow or with a lot of crashes. If the race is slow and we can risk a bit more than the others then maybe we can get something.”