Britain’s Danny Kent has got himself straight back into the Moto3 mix at Le Mans’ MotoGP round setting the second fastest time in this afternoon’s wet session despite crashing at turn nine with a few minutes left to run.
Kent set a 1’53.295 to end half a second slower than quickest man Jorge Martin, who ended on a 1’52.719 with Nico Antonelli in third place. Overall, Kent is eighth on his first ride with the Red Bull KTM team.
"Today was my first day back in Moto3 after more than a year away, and it could not have gone better. We were fighting in the top three for much of both sessions. It helped that I already had experience with this team and they are familiar with me, so we already knew how we used to work,” said Kent.
“In any case, I was surprised at how quickly I have adapted to Moto3 again, as today was the first time I had ridden in the wet since Malaysia 2015 and I was among the fastest riders. I had to change my style a bit after having spent time in Moto2, but as the weekend goes on my feeling will be better.
“Today in the rain we were very strong, and tomorrow and Sunday should be dry, but the important thing is to do as many laps as we can and get the same feeling as today. I would be happy with that."
Unfortunately, John McPhee took his second tumble of the day, falling at turn 12 on his last flying lap but walking away. He ended his day in 14th place as he was substantially quicker this morning than this afternoon.
This morning’s session was held in slightly drier conditions but with similar laptimes. Adam Norrodin was quickest with a 1’51.468 but slowest in the afternoon as he crashed early on. He was followed by Antonelli with Andrea Migno in third place.
