Agius secures row five in Portimao Q2 & Binder with electronics problems
In qualifying for the Portugal Grand Prix at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve, LIQUI MOLY Husqvarna Intact GP Moto2 team-mates Darryn Binder and Senna Agius secured starting positions with potential despite a number of hurdles. After a strong qualifying performance, youngster Agius will start the second race of the season from 13th position on row five. Binder has a little more work ahead of him from 20th place on row seven but is equally motivated.
Youngster Senna Agius cut a fine figure on the 4.59-kilometre track on the picturesque Algarve coast, as the Australian was in a good midfield position right from the start and managed to jump out of Qualifying 1 in fourth place on Saturday. The 18-year-old fought fiercely in the second 15-minute qualifying session and if he had been just two-tenths faster, the rookie could even have been fourth on the grid. Nevertheless, he can be pleased with 13th place on row five for the upcoming race Sunday and if last year's European Moto2 champion manages to maintain or even improve his grid position, he will be sure of his first world championship points this year.
Darryn Binder's mood is somewhat dampened after a rather mixed Saturday, as electronic problems prevented the South African from getting the full power out of his Kalex in Q1. Nevertheless, he managed a lap time of 1'42.676, which unfortunately was not enough to progress to Q2. Ahead of the 21-lap race, which kicks off on Sunday at 13:15 (CET), the 26-year-old is hoping to storm into the points despite a difficult starting position on row seven. At the same time, tyre choice and tyre management will once again be crucial.
RESULTS
Free Practice
1. Manuel GONZALEZ/ SPA/ KALEX – 1'44.900
2. Albert ARENAS/ SPA/ KALEX – 1'45.488 (+0.588)
3. Fermin ALDEGUER/ SPA/ BOSCOSCURO – 1'45.598 (+0.698)
17. Senna AGIUS/ AUS/ KALEX – 1'47.422 (+2.522)
27. Darryn BINDER/ RSA/ KALEX – 1'51.845 (+6.945)
P1
1. Alonso LOPEZ/ SPA/ BOSCOSCURO – 1'42.362
2. Aron CANET/ SPA/ KALEX – 1'42.375 (+0.013)
3. Joe ROBERTS/ USA/ KALEX – 1'42.545 (+0.183)
16. Darryn BINDER/ RSA/ KALEX – 1'43.457 (+1.095)
18. Senna AGIUS/ AUS/ KALEX – 1'43.485 (+1.123)
P2
1. Manuel GONZALEZ/ SPA/ KALEX – 1'41.716
2. Tony ARBOLINO/ ITA/ KALEX – 1'41.831 (+0.115)
3. Alonso LOPEZ/ SPA/ BOSCOSCURO – 1'41.883 (+0.167)
16. Senna AGIUS/ AUS/ KALEX – 1'42.533 (+0.817)
19. Darryn BINDER/ RSA/ KALEX – 1'42.762 (+1.046)
Q1
1. Somkiat CHANTRA/ THA/ KALEX – 1'42.064
2. Ai OGURA/ JPN/ BOSCOSCURO – 1'42.259 (+0.195)
3. Diogo MOREIRA/ BRA/ KALEX – 1'42.441 (+0.377)
4. Senna AGIUS/ AUS/ KALEX – 1'42.479 (+0.415)
6. Darryn BINDER/ RSA/ KALEX – 1'42.676 (+0.612)
Q2
1. Manuel GONZALEZ/ SPA/ KALEX – 1'41.514
2. Fermin ALDEGUER/ SPA/ BOSCOSCURO – 1'41.648 (+0.134)
3. Aron CANET/ SPA/ KALEX – 1'41.713 (+0.199)
13. Senna AGIUS/ AUS/ KALEX – 1'42.191 (+0.677)
