Moto2: Pasini finds his form to lead at Brno

Mugello race winner Mattia Pasini has launched himself to the top of the time sheets on the opening day of action at the Czech Grand Prix, after ending the say a quarter of a second ahead of a stellar performance from rookie Francesco Bagnaia.

Pasini made the most of the afternoon’s dry track time to top the session from Bagnaia, after rain in the morning left the Italian outside the top ten on the Italtrans Kalex machine.

Xavi Vierge was a surprise third place on the Tech 3 machine, ahead of the KTM of Miguel Oliveira, with the Portuguese rider the fastest man in the rain in the morning’s opening session back after the series’ four-week summer break.

Championship favourite Franco Morbidelli was sixth behind Sandro Cortese, half a second off Pasini’s pace, down but not out after a crash in free practice one.

“I’m quite happy with how today evolved, despite the crash this morning. I made a stupid mistake and I am sorry to the team for that. But this afternoon we worked very well together inside the team and found a good package that enabled me to be strong and fast.

“We can always improve the set-up and the feeling but in general I feel good and it was a good way to return from the summer break. Leading the World Championship means I have a bit of a target on my back, but my focus is like always and that’s to try and beat everybody on track.”

Brit Tarran Mackenzie had a strong day on the Kiefer Racing machine, finishing only three seconds off the pace of the leaders as he continues to make solid progress on the Suter bike.

“It’s definitely nice to be back riding after the summer break. I struggled a little bit in the wet this morning, just to get a feeling for the whole track here in Brno. But when it was dry this afternoon, it was a lot more positive. Towards the end of the session I was more consistent and I found a half of a second compared to the group in front of me. If I can find that step again tomorrow in qualifying than I will be quite happy. It looks like it’s going to be hot and wet, similar weather to England which I’m ready for. In any case, I’m looking forward to tomorrow and the remainder of the weekend.”