2017 COTA MotoGP Qualifying Results
Rennie Scaysbrook | April 22, 2017
Marquez steals Texas MotoGP pole at the death
Reigning Texas king Marc Marquez pulled an incredible final lap right at the end of Qualifying 2 to take pole position for the 2017 Red Bull Grand Prix of The Americas at Circuit of The Americas in Texas today.
Marquez and Movistar Yamaha’s Maverick Vinales traded blows late in the session as the times dropped below the 2:03 barrier. Spaniard Vinales was first into the 2:02s, thumping out a 2:02.871 that looked unbeatable, until Marquez punched back with a stunning 2:02.741 to take pole.
“Yesterday was not the best day but this morning we did a big change. This afternoon, I concentrated on the rhythm, and the tires, and I am quite confident for the race,” Marquez said.
Third went to Movistar Yamaha’s Valentino Rossi with a 2:03.673, some 0.932 seconds behind the flying Marquez.
Dani Pedrosa made it two Repsol Hondas in the top four with fourth, followed by the ever-impressive Johann Zarco in fifth.
Jorge Lorenzo had his best day yet on the Ducati as he stayed in the top four for much of the session, eventually dropping to sixth and first Ducati. He headed teammate Andrea Dovizioso, Jonas Folger, crasher Cal Crutchlow and Scott Redding.
2017 COTA MotoGP Qualifying Results