Termas de Rio Hondo (Argentina), March 31 (IANS) A flying Marc Marquez proved unstoppable as he powered to pole, team-mate Jorge Lorenzo ready to fight forward on Sunday.
Saturday’s proceedings at the Argentina Grand Prix opened with free practice three session.
Marquez was fast from his first lap and quickly moved to top the session and became the first rider to set a 1 minute and 38 seconds.
The final 10 minutes of the session saw the customary time-attack for passage to Q2, Lorenzo finding another six tenths to lap the 4.805km-long circuit in 1’39.190, meaning both Repsol Honda Team riders moved directly to Q2 together for the first time as team-mates.
Despite early jitters, the weather held for qualifying and an ambient temperature of 27 degrees Celsius and track temperature of 39 degrees Celsius helped produce a riveting Q2 session.
Marquez continued to show impressive speed aboard his Honda RC213V and claimed his fifth pole position at the sixth running of the Argentina GP with a lap of 1’38.304. The reigning champion is confident in his race pace, but knows he will have to wait and see what weather Sunday brings.
Jorge Lorenzo’s first visit to Q2 in Repsol Honda Team colours saw him build his speed throughout the session before pushing hard at the end.
Unfortunately, the Mallorcan had his best time removed due to exceeding track limits and will line up for Sunday’s Grand Prix in 12th. Starting a row further forward than in Qatar presents Lorenzo with the opportunity to enter the fight at the front from the start of the race.
–IANS
dm/mag/