Agencies
Austin, Texas (USA)
MotoGP champion Francesco Bagnaia will start the Sprint race and Grand Prix of America from pole after setting the first-ever sub 2m 2s lap around the Texan circuit on Saturday.
Looking to bounce back from his mistake in Argentina, Bagnaia made an early statement as he went three tenths clear of Maverick Vinales.
Bagnaia then improved by nearly four tenths on his next effort before Alex Marquez set an identical lap time.
Courtesy of setting his lap first, Bagnaia was the rider holding onto provisional pole ahead of the final runs.
Prior to Bagnaia and Marquez lapping identically, Jorge Martin, who was one of the favourites for pole, crashed at turn 11.
Having already crashed three times prior to Q2, Miller made it four as he tumbled at turn 1 to start the final runs.
As Bagnaia and Marquez squabbled on-track with the latter persistent in getting a tow, Rins went about his business on his own to grab provisional pole.
After failing to improve on his first lap, Marquez then crashed as did fellow Ducati rider Martin for the second time in the session.
With no rider close to him as he started his final effort, Bagnaia showed just why he’s the world champion by setting the first-ever sub 2m 2s lap.
Miller’s disastrous weekend continued as he crashed for a fifth time after the chequered flag came out.
Qualifying Results (Top 10:)
1. Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) – 2:01.892
2. Alex Rins (LCR Honda Castrol) +0.160
3. Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) +0.289
4. Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP) +0.350
5. Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) +0.376
6. Aleix Espargaró (Aprilia Racing) +0.647
7. Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) +0.857
8. Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) +0.990
9. Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing) +1.170
10. Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) +1.192
Starting Grid
1st row
1. Francesco Bagnaia (ITA/Ducati), 2. Alex Rins (ESP/Honda-LCR), 3. Luca Marini (ITA/Ducati-VR46)
2nd row
4. Alex Marquez (ESP/Ducati-Gresini), 5. Marco Bezzecchi (ITA/Ducati-VR46), 6. Aleix Espargaro (ESP/Aprilia)
3rd row
7. Fabio Quartararo (FRA/Yamaha), 8. Maverick Vinales (ESP/Aprilia), 9. Johann Zarco (FRA/Ducati-Pramac)
4th row
10. Jack Miller (AUS/KTM), 11. Brad Binder (RSA/KTM), 12. Jorge Martin.
