It proved to be a tough Q2 session for Honda’s Moto3 riders at Portimao today, despite strong pace shown in Friday’s practice sessions, with riders separated by the smallest of margins.

The Leopard Racing duo of Adrian Fernandez and David Almansa were the quickest of the NSF250RW riders in the afternoon’s Q2 session, with both riders wanting to continue their good form from last time out. Despite demonstrating good pace, Fernandez ended the session in eighth place with Almansa one place behind in ninth.

Taiyo Furusato, who comes into this round as a Moto3 race winner, struggled to put together a good time at the beginning of the session. On his final run the Honda Team Asia rider set red sector times in the first two sectors, but lost time in the final sector and ended Q2 in 11^th place.

It was an impressive ride from Marco Morelli (GRYD – MLav Racing), who took the long route through from Q1. The Argentinian kept himself inside the top-four places in the opening qualifying session, before ending Q2 in 13^th place. The SIC58 Squadra Corse pairing of Luca Lunetta and Stefano Nepa were also in action in the second session, securing 15^th and 18^th on the grid respectively.

Zen Mitani (Honda Team Asia) was unfortunate to miss out on a place in Q2, ending Q1 in fifth place. Mitani will line up on the grid in 19^th place, while further back Nicola Carraro (Rivacold Snipers Team) will start the race from 21^st, with Eddie O’Shea (GRYD – MLav Racing) 23^rd and Jesus Rios (Rivacold Snipers Team) will start his debut Moto3 race from 25^th.

Tomorrow’s 19-lap Moto3 race at Portimao will take place after the MotoGP race, at 2.30pm local time.