Jorge Lorenzo seized control in his last qualifying session as a factory Movistar Yamaha rider, with a series of ever-faster laps that lowered the lap record by tenths every time.
He was one of several riders to take advantage of the short track and quick lap time, making three exits, with a fresh tyre each time.
“Everything I tried was perfect – the track was warm and the grip good. It was one of those days, and I was inspired.”
His final time of 1’29.401 was better than six tenths faster than his pole from last year; a race in which he narrowly beat Marquez.
Marquez pushed hard and was the only other rider to crash the 1’30 barrier, but came up 0.34 of a second short. He’d bounced back from a fall in FP4, where he’d jumped to his feet and given the tyre barrier a mighty kick. “I was angry because it was my better bike – there is always one that feels a little better, and I wouldn’t be able to use it for qualifying. But I will race that bike tomorrow,” the Repsol Honda rider said, adding: “The Yamahas are always fast here for one lap, but my rhythm is good.”
Rossi slotted into third in a hectic qualifying session, in bright sunshine, after lagging somewhat in practice. He was worried about Maverick Vinales (Suzuki) and Sepang winner Dovizioso (Ducati), heading row two just behind him. “I will try for the podium but it will be difficult,” he said.
Pol Espargaro (Monster Yamaha) finished the row; returned injury victims Andrea Iannone (Ducati) and Dani Pedrosa (Repsol Honda) led the third from Alexi Espargaro (Ecstar Suzuki). Then Bradley Smith (Monster Yamaha), Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda) and Danilo Petrucci (Pramac Ducati), the latter two through from Q1, and Crutchlow crashed in Q2.
by Michael Scott
