MotoGP Mandalika: Dixon celebrates maiden Moto2 pole, Lowes third

Inde Aspar’s Jake Dixon celebrated his stunning form at the Mandalika Circuit with a debut Moto2 pole for the IndonesianGP.

The Brit took charge with a 1’35.799 on his fifth lap of qualifying, for an all-time lap record at the championship’s newest venue. Red Bull KTM Ajo’s Augusto Fernandez and Elf Marc VDS’ Sam Lowes coming together on the final lap due to an early flag call as the pair rounded out the front row for Sunday’s 25-lap battle.

Q1 opened with bright sunshine after the deluge of the morning practice. American Sean Dylan Kelly unfortunate to slide out of his out lap at turn 17 as Jeremy Alcoba headed the early times. The Liqui Moly rider was joined by teammate Marcel Schrotter at the top second time round with the German’s 1’38.041 before American Joe Roberts found the first 1’37 of the day.

The times continued to tumble as the session warmed up. Bo Bendsneyder taking charge on the Pertamina Mandalika SAG ahead of Somkiat Chantra, Ai Ogura and Barry Baltus as Gresini’s Alessandro Zaccone and the second SAG machine of Gabriel Rodrigo crashed out.

Bendsneyder continued to lead, on 1’36.738 pace, with five minutes to go. Simone Corsi running second from Baltus and Chantra as Ogura dropped out of contention in the closing stages. The Idemitsu Honda rider was given a stay of execution, however, as Baltus’ time was deleted due to yellow flags before the situation flipped again on the number seven’s next attempt.

Two minutes to go and Chantra’s 1’36.464 led from the Dutchman. Alcoba and Corsi remaining in check for the final provisional places with Roberts narrowly adrift, by just 0.023s, as Baltus’ run concluded in the gravel.

The second 15 minutes fired up with KTM’s Pedro Acosta hunting for the best position