Motegi, Japan (AFP) — Defending Moto2 world champion Johann Zarco secured pole position for Sunday’s Japan Grand Prix for the category after earning a new circuit record in qualifying on Saturday.
The French rider, who is also leading this season with 202 points, clocked 1min 49.961sec, the best ever lap at Twin Ring Motegi circuit, which was 0.067sec faster than Thomas Luthi and 0.356sec faster than Franco Morbidelli who will share the front row.
Alex Rins, who with 201 season points is closely behind Zarco, will start from the eighth row after a crash on Friday.