Moto3: Canet ahead of Mir by a whisker

Aron Canet has topped the opening day of Moto3 action at his home race at Motorland Aragon by a whisker, finishing only 0.009 ahead of runaway championship leader Joan Mir in mixed conditions at the Spanish circuit.

Canet was able to make the most of a dry free practice one session to set the day’s fastest time from Mir, with rain meaning that none of the front runners were able to improve.

“Today’s conclusions are very positive. I have stayed within four tenths of my best time at this circuit, although I think we have to improve my pace with tyres for the race. From what we’ve seen today, I think it’s going to be a fast race. In free practice one we controlled from the beginning and, when we have decided to attack, we found first. In the second session we waited a bit because the track was wet. The moment we left we did it with dry tires, hoping to see how it was going. We went fast again, being second in the afternoon, so I think everything is positive for tomorrow.”

Niccolo Antonelli was third, ahead of a second row of Enea Bastianini, Jorge Martin and Nicolo Bulega, while the top ten was rounded out by Tatsuki Suzuki, Bo Bendsneyder, Romano Fenati and Marcos Ramirez.

British Talent Team rider John McPhee was in 17^th overall, despite a stronger wet session in free practice two leaving the Scottish racer inside the top ten.