Marc Marquez earned an important front-row start during today’s qualifying session, setting the second-fastest lap time, just less than two tenths from pole position.

Marc had displayed a very consistent pace in FP3 and FP4, putting in several laps in the low-to-medium 1’45 range, and he set the quickest time at the end of his first run in qualifying. When he went out for the final phase of the session, he had to abort both of his last flying laps, the first due to a small mistake in turn 11 and the second in turn three when the yellow flags were displayed for a crash by Cal Crutchlow.

Hiroshi Aoyama’s first day of practice had a promising start in FP3, but a crash in turn seven during FP4 affected his confidence a bit. In qualifying he had to settle for the 22nd best time.

Marc Marquez - 2nd

“Getting pole would’ve been the best thing for a Saturday, but I’m happy with second place because this circuit is one at which I had expected to struggle a bit more. As it turns out, we’re doing pretty well and have ridden at a good pace throughout the weekend. This afternoon the first run went well enough, but when I took my second bike out I made a small mistake at turn 11 during the first flying lap. I had a last possibility to try to improve but I saw the yellow flag where Crutchlow had just crashed and I slowed down.

Hiroshi Aoyama - 22th

“The crash in the morning wasn’t the best thing to happen when I was trying to find a good feeling. I tried to go faster and in FP3 I didn’t start badly at all, but in FP4 I had a small crash. I lost a bit of confidence and wasn’t able to give my maximum in the qualifying session. Tomorrow I hope to have more confidence and a better feeling, especially with the front end. The goal is to finish the race and try to get into the points.”