Repsol Honda riders to start from third and fourth on the grid, after qualifying behind Cal Crutchlow and Alvaro Bautista at Brno.
It is far from common to see two satellite bikes on the first two positions of the MotoGP grid, but after today’s qualifying session, the Czech Republic Grand Prix will feature just that. Cal Crutchlow and Alvaro Bautista will head the front row at Brno. World Championship leader Marc Marquez will accompany the duo after setting the third fastest time of the day, followed by Dani Pedrosa, who will lead the second line after taking an important step forward in the qualifying session.
In the two free practice sessions on Saturday, Marquez was able to increase his pace from day one, finishing third in FP3 and first in FP4. Pedrosa was four tenths off the fastest time in both runs, in fifth and fourth place, respectively. In qualifying Marquez, Crutchlow and Bautista alternated positions at the head of the timesheets, but it was the Briton who claimed pole. Bautista was second, admitting that his position owed a lot to a tow received from Marquez on his second attempt at a hot lap.
The World Championship leader could not make the most of his second tyre and did not improve his lap time, which remained 3 tenths off pole. Pedrosa did make improvements, claiming the fourth best time of the session –5 thousandths off Marquez. He will start from the head of the second row tomorrow for the 1pm local time start.
Dani Pedrosa >> Audio
FP3 – 1:56.642, 16 laps, 86 km.
QP – 1:55.868, 7 laps, 38 km.
“The sessions were pretty difficult today, because we had trouble finding a setup that I was happy with. In the last minute we were able to improve the setup, coming up with something that is more suited to my riding and which allowed me to ride more comfortably. Still, the times for everyone have been very close throughout the weekend, so we will have to fight hard. The important thing will be holding up physically, getting a good start and having a good race –whatever the conditions.”
Marc Marquez >> Audio
FP3 – 1:56.366, 18 laps, 97 km.
QP – 1:55.863, 7 laps, 38 km.
“I’m not entirely happy because I had the confidence and determination to fight for pole! I could not take advantage of the second tyre because there was a lot of traffic and some riders were waiting for a tow. But it is what it is –one day I will look to follow them, another day it will be the opposite! With regards to the race, I feel confident as I’m comfortable on the bike and have a good foundation and good pace. If the race is dry, then I feel ready to challenge for the win.”
