Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) began his Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas in fine fashion on Day 1 as the Spaniard set the time to beat in the final moments of the day with a 2:09.856. Despite a valiant effort, Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) fell just short finishing the day in 2nd, with Aron Canet (Pons Wegow Los40) setting the 3rd fastest time.
Acosta was the man on form in the final moments of the day. Improving his time dramatically, the Portuguese GP victor put in the only 2:09 of the day and snatched the top spot. Arbolino, Canet, and Joe Roberts (Italtrans Racing Team) also lit up the timesheets at the end of Practice 2, with the American kicking off his home GP with 4th place on Day 1.
Acosta was the man on form in the final moments of the day. Improving his time dramatically, the Portuguese GP victor put in the only 2:09 of the day and snatched the top spot. Arbolino, Canet, and Joe Roberts (American Racing) also lit up the timesheets at the end of Practice 2, with the American kicking off his home GP with 4th place on Day 1.
Other big hitters such as Sam Lowes (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) and Somkiat Chantra (IDEMISTU Honda Team Asia) put themselves in provisional Q2 spots in 6th and 8th, and with an uncertain weather forecast ahead of FP3, this could be crucial for their chances of success. Celestino Vietti (Fantic Racing) and Manuel Gonzalez (Yamaha VR46 Master Camp Team) will have work to do from 15th and 17th, and will be hoping for dry conditions in FP3 for another chance at grabbing a Q2 spot.
Moto2™ will be back in action on Saturday for Practice 3 at 9:25 and qualifying at 13:45 local (GMT -5).
Top 10 combined:
1. Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) – 1:43.172
2. Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) + 0.223
3. Aron Canet (Pons Wegow Los40) + 0.274
4. Joe Roberts (Italtrans Racing Team) + 0.357
5. Jake Dixon (Asterius GASGAS Aspar Team) + 0.487
6. Sam Lowes (Elf Marc VDS Racing) + 0.505
7. Albert Arenas (Red Bull KTM Ajo) + 0.669
8. Somkiat Chantra (IDEMISTU Honda Team Asia) + 0.670
9. Barry Baltus (Fieten Olie Racing GP) + 0.682
10.Filip Salac (QJMOTOR Gresini Moto2™) + 0.782