Tito Rabat secures Aragon pole, Alex Marquez lines up sixth

Team Estrella Galicia 0.0 Marc VDS rider Tito Rabat smashed the Motorland Aragon Moto2 pole record by over a second to lead qualifying in stunning fashion this afternoon.

The 26-year-old made good on his promise to be the first Moto2 rider to lap the 3.155 miles track in the 1.52 bracket with a blistering start to the 45-minute session.

He obliterated the four-year-old pole record held by Marc Marquez on only his third lap with a sensational 1.52.658.

The reigning World Champion then secured a 15th Moto2 pole position and first since the Jerez round in May with a faultless lap of 1.52.232. Only one other rider was able to lap within 0.4s of Rabat, who looks a strong contender to win the landmark 100th Moto2 World Championship race that will be contested over 21-laps tomorrow.

This afternoon’s session saw Alex Marquez also deliver a standout performance, with the 19-year-old fighting for the front row throughout, as he put in more vital development miles on a new 2016-spec Kalex chassis.

A 1.52.782 was fast enough to secure the reigning Moto3 World Champion a best ever Moto2 grid position in sixth. And he is full of confidence that he can fight for a career first Moto2 podium tomorrow.

Tito Rabat: 1st – 1’52.232
“I put all my effort into that record lap and it was a great feeling to see how fast I was, but also to know that it was fast enough for pole position. The lap time was set early in the session and I thought it would be good enough for pole, but you can never count Rins out. He is so fast and consistent and he got very close. Maybe a little too close at the end! I have had a really good feeling with the bike this weekend and I must thank my team and the guys at Öhlins for working hard to solve some of our recent problems and make me very competitive.”

Alex Marquez: 6th – 1’52.782
“I am really happy with my lap time in qualifying. You can never do the perfect lap but we worked very well all weekend and my rhythm is close to the lead group. I am sure I can fight for the podium tomorrow but the key will be to make a good start to get away with Tito, Rins and Zarco. If I can do that I can maybe even fight for the win because my pace in race trim is very strong. I have a lot of confidence with the bike and I am really looking forward to putting on a good show for the home crowd.”

Source: Marc VDS Racing