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Late Flyer Puts Takahashi On Top

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Yuki Takahashi came from nowhere to set the fastest time in second practice for the Moto2 Grand Prix of Qatar.

As several riders searched for late improvements, the Japanese rider benefited from a slipstream to sneak ahead of Scott Redding.

In a frantic end to the session, the Brit hit the front with four minutes to go after Stefan Bradl had again set the initial pace. Andrea Iannone sneaked into P1 shortly before the chequered flag prompting an immediate response from Redding, which looked like proving enough for top spot before Takahashi's last minute effort.

If that wasn't enough, Redding even found time for a fall as he lost control of his Suter after time had expired, with no damage done.

FP1 pacesetter Bradl had been involved in a fascinating duel with Marc Marquez as they ran in close company on the track, and on the timesheets.

Bradl slipped back to 3rd in the closing stages with Marquez ending his first day in Moto2 a very impressive 6th.

Bradley Smith could also be happy with his first day on 600cc equipment, moving up to 16th after a late lap had briefly placed him in the top ten. Kev Coghlan finished down in 29th, but only three seconds off the pace, highlight how competitive this series promises to be.

Former 125cc star Pol Espargaro endured a tough baptism in the middle class. After ending the first session in 17th, the young Spaniard ended the second in the gravel after suffering a front-end washout ten minutes in.

The Moto2 field will return to the Losail International Circuit tomorrow for FP3, with Qualifying taking place on Saturday evening.

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