If Jorge Martin (Ducati Pramac) impressed on Friday during qualifying practice for the GP of the Americas by beating the track record in Austin (2’01″397), Maverick Vinales did even better on Saturday during qualifying. The Aprilia rider first clocked a 2’01″243 which allowed him to place himself on provisional pole, while once again beating the track record. And he did even better a few minutes later, going under the 2’01: 2’00″864 mark. This is the 15th pole of his MotoGP career.
As for Martin, he fell the first time and then went on the attack again. But probably a little too unfocused and aggressive, he went to the mat a second time a few moments later. The Spaniard ultimately had to settle for sixth place, a lesser evil.
Minor fall for Quartararo
It was ultimately Pedro Acosta (KTM GasGas) who was the most dangerous for Vinales, but at a respectable distance, because he conceded 328 thousandths to the Aprilia rider. The performance of the Spanish rookie is nevertheless once again astonishing, and we will undoubtedly have to count on him for victory during the sprint race (start at 10 p.m.). Marc Marquez (Ducati Gresini) will accompany his two compatriots on the front row.
The official Ducati riders were a little further behind, with 4th place for Francesco Bagnaia and 5th for Enea Bastianini. As for the French, they were once again eliminated in Q1. Fabio Quartararo (Yamaha), who fell without seriousness, will start 16th. Johann Zarco (LCR Honda) took 19th place.
