Marc Márquez and Pol Espargaró complete Q2 of the Italian Grand Prix in eleventh and twelfth position, respectively.
The eight times World Champion had to go through Q1 at the Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello. Márquez finished the first qualifying session of the day top of the timesheets, thus ensuring his progression into Q2.
The Repsol Honda Team rider, who continues to gradually improve his feeling on the RC213V, finished the day with a top time of 1:46.125. Marquéz will begin the race from eleventh place.
Pol Espargaró made his way directly into Q2 with his showing in the third Free Practice of the weekend. In the qualifying session, the Repsol Honda Team rider set a best time of 1:46.393, and will start the Italian Grand Prix behind his teammate, from twelfth on the grid.
The sixth race of the 2021 season will take place on Sunday at 2pm CEST.
The Repsol Honda Team wish Jason Dupasquier all the best and hope to see him at the track again soon.
MARC MÁRQUEZ – 11th 1’46.125
“This morning I felt quite good and I was able to ride well but in the afternoon I started to struggle more with my physical condition. In Q1 I knew I had to follow someone because this was the only chance I had to do some quick laps and I was not expecting to make it into Q2 but the lap was good. I saw Viñales after the session and we spoke about it and I apologised. The stress and effort of these laps meant I couldn’t ride how I wanted to in Q2, but it was still a good day overall. I know I won’t be able to ride the race how I want but we will do what we can. But the main point of today is that hopefully Jason in Moto3 is alright, we are all thinking about him.”
POL ESPARGARÓ – 12th 1’46.393
“Today was better than Friday but it is not what we are looking for. We were able to improve our rear grip a lot, which is very good because this is one area we have been working to improve. But I made a wrong decision with the front tyre, and it made the change of directions very tough in Qualifying. I was happy with the medium front in the morning, but I chose the hard because of the temperature and in hindsight I should have followed what we had done before but it’s my mistake. Maybe with a perfect lap we could have gained another row. Tomorrow is the race and it’s time to put everything out on track. My best wishes go out to Jason, I hope that he can come back soon.”
