After overnight rain, Moto3 riders start in the rain at the Red Bull Ring – Sergio Garcia with a crash, Andrea Migno sets fastest lap at the end
The first free Moto3 practice session for the Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg had to be run on rain tyres. The wet track caused a few crashes. Sergio Garcia (GasGas), the world championship leader, was also hit. In the end, Andrea Migno set the fastest lap with his Honda.
After the heavy thunderstorms that had passed over Styria on Thursday afternoon, it had also rained in the night to Friday. In the morning there was no more precipitation, but the track was wet.
The sky was also grey in grey. With an air temperature of only 17 degrees Celsius, it was also cool. Further rain in the course of the day could not be ruled out. Due to a crash in the MotoE practice, the first session started one minute late.
The focus was on the new chicane at turn 2. For the smallest class, this meant effects on the gear ratio, as a long straight was eliminated. Due to the damp track, it was a case of taking it easy.
@david64official was certainly eager this morning!
Top of the times straight away but he’s just been caught out at the final corner! AustrianGP pic.twitter.com/eXGtoq15uD
– MotoGP™ (@MotoGP) August 19, 2022
The first incident was caused by David Munoz (KTM), who was thrown off by a highsider while accelerating out of the finish bend. Nicola Fabio Cararro (KTM), who is competing in his second Grand Prix for Avintia, also slipped.
Some riders missed the braking point for the new chicane and went straight through the gravel. The track conditions were getting better and better. Therefore, the fastest times were set at the very end.
With six minutes to go, Garcia crashed in turn 3, at which point the World Championship leader held the fastest time. Garcia came to the Aspar pit for a short repair break and took to the track again at the end.
First look at the new chicane! AustrianGP pic.twitter.com/u3JDfjtrYO
– MotoGP™ (@MotoGP) August 19, 2022
With 1:50.378 minutes, Migno finally secured the best time. The Italian was 0.269 seconds faster than rookie Holgado. He was followed by Tatsuki Suzuki (Honda) and Deniz Öncü (KTM). Garcia eventually dropped back to fifth.
Places six to ten went to Ivan Ortola (KTM), Dennis Foggia (Honda), Munoz, Diogo Moreira (KTM) and Izan Guevara (GasGas). The World Championship runner-up was already one second behind in tenth place (see FT1 result).
The practice session ended with problems for runner-up Foggia. After seeing the black and white chequered flag and heading for the start practice area (after turn 1), he rolled out. Foggia leaned his Honda against the crash barriers and stomped off.
