Italian Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati) achieved the 7th pole position of his career in MotoGP at the Spanish Grand Prix in 1’36”170, a new lap record. He preceded the French Fabio Quartararo, 2nd at 0”453.
The 2 drivers will start on Sunday (2:00 p.m.) on the front row, with the Spaniard Aleix Espargaro (3rd) alongside them. The 2nd line is made up of ghosts: the two Ducatis of the Australian Jack Miller (4th) and the Frenchman Johann Zarco (6th), survivor in the last lap of Q1, while the Spaniard Marc Marquez, without any rhythm but effective over 2 laps, set the 5th fastest time.
Alex Rins (Suzuki), co-leader of the world championship with Quartararo, did not qualify in Q2 and will start in 14th position on the starting grid.
Record for Bagnaia
“Pecco” Bagnaia, struggling with his machine since the start of the season, struck a blow under the Jerez sun by exploding Quartararo’s record for the best pole position (2021) by 6/10 and 4/10 the track record held by Maverick Vinales (2020).
Italian rookie Marco Bezzecchi (Ducati-VR46) set the second fastest time in Q2 to play with the best and take 8th position on the grid.
afp/btro
