Moto2, FP3: Lowes keeps Zarco and Nakagami in check

Final free practice session for Moto2 as well. After a Friday dominated by world champion Johann Zarco, Saturday morning had English rider Sam Lowes at the head of the class. With a time of 1’52”382, Sam rode his team Federal Oil Gresini Kalex to the top spot, demonstrating his usual style made up of cornering, skidding and counter steering. 

Just behind Lowes was Frenchman Zarco, lagging behind throughout the session but then making an excellent second best time right on his last lap. After a troubled race, the Frenchman seems to have rediscovered his pace on the hills of Mugello.

A good third time for Japanese rider Nakagami, who finished ahead of the other Brit, Denny Kent, fourth. The first Italian in the standings, Roman Simone Corsi in fifth, opens up the red white and green group that also includes Lorenzo Baldassarri and Franco Morbidelli, respectively sixth and seventh, separated by just a few tenths.

Le Mans winner Alex Rins rode his bike to thirteenth place, clearly behind, just as he did for the free practice sessions in the previous Grand Prix rounds, whereas Luca Marini finished out his session with the fifteenth best time of the morning.

The qualifiers to decide the Moto2 starting grid will be held today at 3:00 PM Italian time.