Even a crash can’t stop Pedro Acosta on his way to pole position – Tony Arbolino on row three – Lukas Tulovic makes Q2 entry
After a turbulent qualifying session, Pedro Acosta shone once again at Parc ferme. The Spaniard claimed his third pole position of the 2023 Moto2 season at the Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring in Styria, with Ai Ogura and Celestino Vietti completing the front row of the grid
However, qualifying did not start according to plan for the World Championship leader. On his first fast lap, Acosta slipped in the tight chicane (turn 2) and went down. But the Spaniard was able to get his bike going again and continue.
Moments later, Aron Canet was also caught in this chicane. He was also unhurt in this crash. Acosta broke off the attempt after the slip despite three red sectors and turned into the pit lane.
When Acosta took to the track for his final attempt, he immediately catapulted himself into first place. On his next lap, he set new fastest times in the first three sectors. But then Sam Lowes crashed in the finish bend and caused yellow flags.
Nevertheless, Acosta set new fastest times in the fourth sector as well. Because of the yellow flags, this lap time was cancelled for him. Moments later, Alonso Lopez caused more yellow flags by crashing in turn 1. That put an end to the time chase.
The 1:34.040 minutes from the previous lap was still enough for pole position. It was the third for Acosta this season. “Shit [like the crash] happens sometimes,” commented the 19-year-old. “We have to be happy though. “
@37_pedroacosta‘s first mistake all weekend!
He’s got it going again though! AustrianGP pic.twitter.com/gzAySeAKp0
– MotoGP™ (@MotoGP) August 19, 2023
“For the first attempt, we were probably just a bit on the limit with the tyre combination. The team just always gives everything, especially here at home of course. We have to be satisfied.”
Last year’s winner Ogura had to admit defeat by 0.271 seconds. Celestino Vietti completed the front row of the grid. Jake Dixon, Somkiat Chantra and Fermin Aldeguer will attack from the second row tomorrow.
Tony Arbolino, who is two points behind Acosta, was almost seven tenths of a second slower than his great rival in qualifying. From seventh on the grid, Arbolino has to start a race to catch up from the third row.
After Lukas Tulovic could still shine in Q1, it was only enough for 18th and last place in the decisive section. Nevertheless, this meant the second best starting position for him this season.
Lukas Tulovic finishes second in Q1
In the first section an exciting, because close time chase developed until the end. With time running out, Tulovic attacked and had intermediate best times in the first sectors. Finally, the German crossed the line with the second best time.
Tulovic missed the best time of Sergio Garcia (1:35.079 minutes) by only 0.071 seconds. For the second time after Le Mans, Tulovic was thus represented in Q2 this season. Dennis Foggia and Darryn Binder also moved into the second section.
⚡️ @3Tulovic steals it at the very end!
He’s up to 2nd, knocking @IzanGuevara28 out of Q2 AustrianGP pic.twitter.com/q3oD7VuE7n
– MotoGP™ (@MotoGP) August 19, 2023
Moto3 World Champion Izan Guevara had to call it a day in fifth place. Joe Roberts also experienced a disappointing qualifying session with seventh place. Two riders did not compete on Saturday. Alex Escrig broke his left tibia in a crash in the morning.
Barry Baltus was declared unfit by the doctors, although he set competitive times on Friday. Baltus broke three toes in a training accident during the break since Silverstone.
The 23-lap Moto2 race will start on Sunday at 12:15 p.m.
