Marc Marquez became the youngest rider to take a premier-class pole position during qualifying yesterday at the Circuit of the Americas breaking Freddie Spencer’s record, and also beating fellowing countrymen Dani Pedrosa and Jorge Lorenzo when they debuted in MotoGP in 2006 and 2008 respectively.
It looked like Marquez was very cool and collected as he waited a few minutes before going out for QP2, instead the Spanish rider admitted he was nervous.
Marquez also said that his morning crash was due to a cold tire and he hit his back, but the only thing that is worrying him is the first turn when the lights go out.
We are happy of course, because we took our first pole position which is important and always exciting! We knew beforehand that we could fight for pole, but you never know what will happen in the session.
Both Dani and Jorge are fast over a single lap, and we managed to overcome them.
The important stuff starts tomorrow, because we have a long, physical race with many of changes of direction to deal with.
We need to be ready, because tomorrow is what really counts and I will do the best that I can!” said a smiling Marquez.
Dani Pedrosa looks like he is the only rider that will be really able to contest Marquez’ in Sunday’s Austin GP.
Watch out for veteran rider’s trademark lightning starts and that’s where he may able to try to keep his young and aggressive team mate at bay, but if the two start to battle our bets are on Marquez, who clearly enjoys exchanging paint, something that Pedrosa tries to avoid at all costs.
“The session was a little tense, as in fifteen minutes you only have time for four good laps.
Fortunately we didn’t have any problems with traffic this time, and I was able to focus and put in a strong lap – faster than all but one in the end! It was a good session, and we took second on the grid which is positive, because Marc put in a fast lap and is close by.
We need to try to increase the rear grip for tomorrow and work towards having a strong race,” said Pedrosa.
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