Red Bull GASGAS Tech3 scorched their way to Pole Position ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix Sprint as Pedro Acosta – confirmed as Rookie of the Year today – steered the GASGAS RC16 around the 14 corners of the Motegi circuit for the fastest lap-time. The rookie was then leading the Sprint until a slip at Turn 7 put him in the gravel. Augusto Fernandez pushed hard once more to occupy 18th place and crossed the line in 15th.
From the melting heat of Mandalika in Indonesia last week to the moody skies of Motegi: MotoGP enjoyed more diversity in the calendar for the third and final part of the triple header. The championship negotiated the rainy and unpredictable climes of Motegi and the regular site of the Japanese GP since the final year of the century.
4.8km long and with a focus on hard braking and full gas out of the 14 corners, Motegi was also extra tricky for the weather. It was grey but dry on Friday and Pedro Acosta went directly through to Q2 once more. Saturday brought bouts of light rain and created different demands. Acosta was able to ride with precision to break the lap record in quali and seal his maiden Pole Position and the first for the RC16 since 2020. Fernandez banked 18th spot after ranking 8th in Q1 but was less than half a second away from Q2.
The Sprint cut the mist for 12 laps in the afternoon and Acosta passed world champion Francesco Bagnaia to set the pace at the head of the MotoGP pack. Pedro was on the verge of breaking free from his pursuers when he lost front traction into Turn 7 with four laps to go. Fernandez rode a lone race to the top fifteen.
MotoGP will thrill Japanese fans again at 14.00 local time but viewers in Europe will have to roll out of bed at 07.00 CET.
Pedro Acosta, 1st in qualifying, DNF in the Sprint: “It was super close and for this it is difficult to accept. It was my mistake in the Sprint and I just need to put my head down and be focused for tomorrow. We have been really competitive all weekend and have been very strong from the first moments. We are getting close. In one way we have to be happy to be leading and making those laps.”
Augusto Fernandez, 18th in qualifying, 15th in the Sprint: “The morning was not too bad but with the used tires I again had this ‘jumping’ issue and it happens to me in the race when the tire drops. It was very hard to ride. I also had some locking with the medium front. Let’s see if we can try something different tomorrow to avoid this and have a good race.”
Nicolas Goyon, GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3 Team Manager: “An unbelievable day for us. We knew we could do well at this track and the bike is working well. It was a strong first Pole Position in Pedro’s rookie year and we knew we had podium possibilities in the Sprint. He rode at a great pace and led most of the race. It was a shame he lost the front but this is still promising for the race tomorrow and another chance to shine. A bit tricky again for Augusto with a vibration issue limiting his performance and we are all working to find a solution.”
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