*** Topgun Mack captured at a high speed corner
Maverick Viñales took a sensational pole at the French GP in Le Mans, while teammate Valentino Rossi starts just behind at P2. Top rookie of the year Johann Zarco made an incredible ride through the Q1, eventually finishing at P3 at the end of a dramatic Q2 session.
Q1 was incredible as it had many big names like Andrea Dovizioso, Dani Pedrosa, Jorge Lorenzo, Andrea Iannone, and the French man Johann Zarco. Dovi hit the rostrum halfway through, and went comfortably into Q1. Dani Pedrosa then grabbed the second position potentially going to Q2 as well. Meanwhile Johann Zarco who made a No pit gamble rode an astonishing last lap, pushing Pedrosa down into 3rd. It was Andrea Dovizioso and Johann Zarco into Q2 at the end.
As the time started ticking for Q2, it was Maverick Viñales and Cal Crutchlow momentarily drawing the first blood. They were soon joined by Marc Marquez, Valentino Rossi and Andrea Dovizioso for the front row attack. Scott Redding and Jack Miller were also into the pack, looking for a second row start. Valentino Rossi soon jumped into second place with a quick 1'32.100, just one tenth of a second from the pole setter.
At the end of 15 minutes, it was Maverick Viñales at the top making his second pole of the season on his Movistar Yamaha YZR M1. Teammate and nine time World Champion Valentino Rossi ended in the middle of the front row at P2. Home hero Johann Zarco also finished his incredible qualifying session at P3, making it an all Yamaha front row.
The second row has Cal Crutchlow, Marc Marquez and Andrea Dovizioso all separated by 4 tenths of a second. FP3 front runner Scott Redding, Pol Espargaro, Karel Abraham and Bradley Smith complete the top 10 of the grid. Following a terrible crash in FP4, Jack Miller still held his nerves for a P11 start. Dani Pedrosa starts from P13, continuing his Qualifying woes. Jorge Lorenzo looses his Jerez form and is back, starting from a lone 16th position.
*** Valentino Rossi greets Johann Zarco at the Parc Ferme
With three Yamaha's starting from the front row, followed by the Honda's it is sure going to be a tight race tomorrow. While Valentino Rossi leads the Championship by 2 points, we expect him to take the first win of the season further extending his lead. The MotoGP race goes live at 5.30 PM IST tomorrow from the Bugatti Circuit, Le Mans. Stay tuned to BikesMedia and catch further updates on the 2017 MotoGP World Championship.
By: Aravind Rb