Ducati calls the shots, Pedrosa after skydive also fast on ground: That's been day 2 of the #Austrian GP

The Countdown has started and after the first practice sessions the excitement raises who will be the winner of the NeroGiardini Motorrad Grand Prix von Österreich on Sunday. Will reigning World Champion Marc Márquez be able to pass Ducati? Can the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team score another top result at their home race? One thing is for sure: The action continues on and off track tomorrow!

To the gallery

Ducati matched the expectations in the first two free practice sessions on Friday with Andrea Dovizioso coming home in 2nd in FP1 and topping the time sheets at the end of the day. Likewise strong was the showing of Dani Pedrosa on his Honda, who ended both of the sessions and the day in third position, outpacing his own team mate Marc Márquz in 5th and 6th. A constant running also from Yamaha rider Maverick Viñales, who started in 4th and ended the day in 2nd overall. His team mate and fan favorite Valentino Rossi got well beaten in 13th position of the day, so "The Doctor" has quite some work to do tomorrow, to get the direct entry to the Q2 session. But one never knows as the nine time World Champion is always good to make surprises…

There were happy faces in the garages of the KTM Factory Racing Team: Pol Espargaró got a 12th in the combined time sheets and classed himself directly in front of Rossi, having the Top 10 in his sights. "I am quite happy, the result is good!"

Red-White-Red-Fans back Max Kofler

Friday also saw the Moto2 and Moto3 World Championships doing their first laps, as did the feeder series of the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup and the ADAC Junior Cup. Locals heavily crossed their fingers for a Moto3 rider: The 16 year old Max Kofler from Upper Austria, who will make the start on Sunday with a Wildcard. By the way: The first Austrian to do so since 1997.

Spielberg MotoGP Fan Village opens its gates

Autographs, Selfies and meeting the Stars of MotoGP at first hand: This is also part oft he #AustrianGP. "Old Stagers" like Marc Márquez an Dani Pedrosa (Repsol Honda) did meet their fans as did numerous riders from Moto2 and Moto3.

Fans of course do love the sound of the heavy MotoGP bikes! But in the slipstreaming of the first sessions, also the rock fans got something to cheer about on Friday, with "Gunz n'Roses", the Aerosmith cover band "Big Ones" and the "AC/DC Revival Band" hitting the stages at the side event hotspot of the Spielberg.

What to expect on Saturday? Simply more!

The question now is: Can that be beaten? The clear answer to that is: "Yes!" – tomorrow, Saturday, already. Not only more practice sessions will follow, but also the Qualifyings and the first race in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup. Besides the on track action at the Red Bull Ring, also Stunt-, FMX- and Air-display-shows are on the list, plus some more concerts.

Tipp: Fans of the local KTM Factory Racing squad should not miss tomorrow's Autograph session (from 18:30) featuring Pol Espargaró & Bradley Smith!

Best News at the End: Still some tickets available at the box offices!

At the box offices, there are still tickets available – while stocks last – at the following times: Saturday, 12. August, 07:30-18:00 Uhr (Main office 08:00-20:00 Uhr); Sunday, 13. August, 07:00-14:00 Uhr. The full experience of the Motorcycle Grand Prix and the whole program at the Spielberg MotoGP Fan Village is available with a weekend standing place ticket starting at 95 Euros!

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