MotoGP Mugello: Rookies reign as Diggia dominates for pole

Celebrations ensued at Mugello as Gresini Racing’s rookie Fabio Di Giannantonio secured a stunning showcase from Q1 to pole position.

The Italian’s 1’46.156 lap secured his maiden pole in MotoGP, topping a trio of home talent in difficult conditions as Mooney VR46 locked out the front row. Valentino Rossi’s own rookie, Marco Bezzecchi, sat second from brother Luca Marini, on the day his legendary number was retired from premier class action. Ducati power commanding the entirety of the top five at its home track.

Qualifying geared up with the rain finally arriving and Prima Pramac’s Jorge Martin facing a three place grid penalty due to irresponsible riding in FP3. WithU Yamaha’s Darryn Binder also set with a long lap penalty for Sunday’s 23-lap race after crashing under waved yellows in the morning action.

Ducati’s Jack Miller headed out for the Q1 battle alongside Maverick Viñales, Marc Marquez and both Suzuki riders. The rain eased with the pack setting out on medium wets as the 15-minute session fired up.

The opening efforts found KTM’s Miguel Oliveira topping Miller for Q2 contention with di Giannantonio sitting third. Monster Energy Yamaha’s Franky Morbidelli demoted the Gresini rider with his second attempt with Joan Mir and Marquez following suit. Brad Binder was the first rider out on slicks as the KTM set red sectors the halfway stage. Lightning simultaneously threatening in the background as the South African recorded a 1’52.402, three seconds clear of his teammate to lock out the top two for the Austrian manufacturer.

Miller and Alex Rins pit for slicks with six minutes on the clock. Marquez following the Australian out of pitlane as rain flags waved at the back of the circuit and conditions changed again.

Mich