Moto3 Valencia: Record pace sees Martin dominate for pole
Jorge Martin has another chance to convert an astonishing pole performance into his first win after a new record lap handed him the top spot on the grid after qualifying for the Moto3 Valencia Grand Prix.
The Gresini rider had already set a new record in practice and went on to slash that time at the beginning of the session, staying on top once there and dropping another fastest lap in the closing minutes of 1m 38.428s as he dominated the session.
The Honda man will be hoping his impressive pace around the Circuit Ricardo Tormo will allow him to pull out a gap on race day as his nearest rival; Leopard rider and new world champion Joan Mir; moved into second late on cutting the difference between lap times to 0.445 as he aims for an incredible eleventh win.
The final front row spot went to Gabriel Rodrigo after a consistent performance on the RBA. The Argentinian is the best qualifying KTM.
Tatsuki Suzuki had his best ever qualifying in fourth for SIC58 Squadra Corse. The Japanese rider is joined on row two by Estrella Galicia 0,0 rider Enea Bastianini in fifth and his team-mate - local rider Aron Canet in sixth, who despite a Valencian orange themed special helmet couldn’t push his home advantage.
Ayumu Sasaki looks well placed to claim the rookie of the year title, he currently leads the standings and qualified seventh, a best for the SIC Racing Team recruit, and is ahead of his nearest rival Marco Bezzecchi, who crashed twice, leaving him down in 28th.
Marcos Ramirez pushed his Platinum Bay Real Estate bike to the limit for eighth, just ahead of the second Gresini, piloted by Fabio Di Giannantonio, which will line up ninth for the race.
Red Bull KTM Ajo’s Bo Bendsneyder completes the top ten.
Dennis Foggia returns for another wild-cared turn with the Sky Junior Team VR46 Academy and represented himself well, taking 15th. Kazuki Mazaki makes his world championship debut riding for the Asia Talent team, he took a respectable 18th at the chequered flag.
British Talent Team rider John McPhee had his foot on ice before the session following an earlier highside, following the injury his qualifying didn’t go to plan, in 22nd overall.
It was an unfortunate end to the season for Nicolo Bulega, who fractured his ankle during Friday practice and has already had surgery on his injury. Darryn Binder also missed qualifying after injuring his left thumb in the morning session.
