Marquez claims best qualifying result in over a year at COTA

Marc Marquez has secured his first MotoGP front row start since Jerez 2020 after qualifying third at COTA. 

Marquez, who has been fast throughout the weekend in all conditions, managed to put his Repsol Honda on provisional pole following the opening run. 

And while Marquez was only bettered by Francesco Bagnaia and Fabio Quartararo in the end – the two best qualifiers this season – the eight-time world champion was unable to improve after leaving himself with just one final flying lap instead of two. 

But with that said, third place is Marquez’ best since returning from injury at Portimao and one that should give him a great chance of fighting for the win on Sunday, especially as Jack Miller (fastest race pace) could only claim tenth in Q2. 

Speaking after his first front row in over a year and a half, Marquez said: “Of course, happy to be in the front row. We know that one of our weak points is the single lap and qualifying practice, but today we were able to manage it in a good way. 

“Tomorrow it will be a long race and we need to manage tyres, bumps and also the physical condition. 

“Let’s see, tomorrow will be warmer and when it’s warmer I feel better. 

“In the morning with cold temperatures I don’t like it, everything is too harsh and then everything is shaking more.”

Marquez also provided an answer as to why he and Miller only completed the above-mentioned one flying lap on their second run.

“We went out from the box and the time was really close, really close to make two laps. But me, Jack [Miller], Pol [Espargaro], Nakagami went out from the box and I was in front of the standings,” said Marquez. 

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“The one that was behind was Jack. He tried to push but he made a mistake. 

“Also I was coming fast in the T1, but I say ‘if Jack is not pushing I will not push’ because there is already enough risk with the first tyre. I don’t want to take more risks.”