Francesco Bagnaia sets record lap time at Mugello to edge out Marc Marquez and start sprint race on pole

Francesco Bagnaia will start the Italian GP sprint race in pole position after an incredible display in Q2 qualifying, edging out a fascinating tussle with Marc Marquez at Mugello. It was an outstanding performance from the reigning world champion, who set an all-time lap record on the circuit to deservedly claim pole and finish 0.078 seconds ahead of Marc Marquez.

Ad Marc will be joined by his brother Alex on the front row, after the Gresini rider finished 0.179 seconds ahead of Jack Miller. Grand Prix ItalyBagnaia fractures ankle in Le Mans crash, should recover for Italian GP21/05/2023 AT 13:36 There was plenty of needle in an aggressive Q2 race as Bagnaia angrily gesticulated to Marc Marquez, in a pit-lane incident ahead of turn one.

It sets everything up very nicely ahead of what will be a pulsating sprint race, which takes place later on Saturday afternoon. Meanwhile, Q1 was just as eventful, and the performances of Miller and Alex Marquez were all the more remarkable considering they had to pre-qualify for Q2.

Espargaro admits he considered retirement after Portimao crash, aims to return at Mugello Kalex chassis ‘a small help’ but 'not the solution’ — Marquez Bezzecchi claims French MotoGP victory after Marquez comeback ends in disappointment They were joined by the likes of Fabio Quartararo and Maverick Vinales in a star-studded Q1 race, and it was Alex Marquez who secured progression to Q2 in top spot after leading the way with a time of 1:45.231. The Spaniard was tipped to make an easy progression through to Q2 and he did just that with a masterful performance.