Agius takes top 10 in final Moto2 qualifying, Binder P22
In the LIQUI MOLY Husqvarna Intact GP Moto2 Team, Senna Agius secured a strong tenth place on the grid for the Moto2 season finale at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Darryn Binder is looking positively towards his last race for the German team from 22nd on the eighth row of the grid.
The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Montmelo is hosting the Motorcycle World Championship for the second time this year, but the conditions could not be more contrasting. While in May the race took place in summery temperatures, the riders were expecting much cooler conditions this weekend, which meant that the set-up work had to start all over again.
The young Australian, Senna Agius, has already shown some highlights this season and is hoping to add another one on Sunday from his tenth grid position in order to snatch the title of "Rookie of the Year", in which he is only one point behind Diogo Moreira. On his way to the fourth row of the grid, the 19-year-old first had to prove himself in Q1 after mixed Friday times. No sooner said than done. As second fastest, Agius made his way into Q2, where he moved into the top 10 thanks to a 1'42.678, which he will be aiming to top in the 21-lap race on Sunday at 12:15 (CET).
For Darryn Binder, the start to the final race weekend was characterised by hard work. The South African was already struggling to keep up with the times at the front on Friday and was unable to finish higher than 27th. It was not until the second practice session on Saturday morning that the 26-year-old recorded a significant improvement. Nevertheless, Binder was unable to avoid Q1, and despite a small gap of just 0.403s to the fastest rider, it was not enough to finish in the top four, which ultimately meant 22nd place on the grid in row eight for the race.
Results
FP
1. Aron CANET/ SPA/ KALEX – 1'42.998
2. Fermin ALDEGUER/ SPA/ BOSCOSCURO – 1'43.198 (+0.200)
3. Tony ARBOLINO/ ITA/ KALEX – 1'43.621 (+0.623)
12. Senna AGIUS/ AUS/ KALEX – 1'44.178 (+1.180)
28. Darryn BINDER/ RSA/ KALEX – 1'45.297 (+2.299)
P1
1. Aron CANET/ SPA/ KALEX – 1'42.426
2. Jake DIXON/ GBR/ KALEX – 1'42.657 (+0.231)
3. Manuel GONZALEZ/ SPA/ KALEX – 1'42.719 (+0.293)
20. Senna AGIUS/ AUS/ KALEX – 1'43.747 (+1.321)
27. Darryn BINDER/ RSA/ KALEX – 1'44.806 (+2.380)
P2
1 Aron CANET/ SPA/ KALEX – 1'42.262
2. Jorge NAVARRO/ SPA/ KALEX – 1'42.416 (+0.154)
3. Jake DIXON/ GBR/ KALEX – 1'42.495 (+0.233)
20. Darryn BINDER/ RSA/ KALEX – 1'43.572 (+1.310)
22. Senna AGIUS/ AUS/ KALEX – 1'43.666 (+1.404)
Q1
1. Alonso LOPEZ/ SPA/ BOSCOSCURO – 1'42.814
2. Senna AGIUS/ AUS/ KALEX – 1'42.879 (+0.065)
3. Albert ARENAS/ SPA/ KALEX – 1'42.931 (+0.117)
8. Darryn BINDER/ RSA/ KALEX – 1'43.217 (+0.403)
Q2
1. Aron CANET/ SPA/ KALEX – 1'42.003
2. Manuel GONZALEZ/ SPA/ KALEX – 1'42.149 (+0.146)
3. Zonta VD GOORBERGH/ NED/ KALEX – 1'42.215 (+0.212)
10. Senna AGIUS/ AUS/ KALEX – 1'42.678 (+0.675)
