Honda's Marc Marquez took a signature last dash pole position for the Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas, putting in another stunner at COTA as he pulled out an ace on his final lap to take it back from key rival Maverick Viñales of Yamaha.
Viñales’ team-mate Valentino Rossi was another on a late charge, shooting up into third to complete an incredible front row.
Marquez's Honda team-mate Dani Pedrosa heads up the second row at a venue that has seen him on the podium twice, with Johann Zarco (Yamaha Tech3) once again top rookie in another impressive performance to line up P5.
Jorge Lorenzo (Ducati) progressed from Q1 in Austin for the first time since moving to the Borgo Panigale factory, and the five-time World Champion had an impressive Q2 session – lining up in P6 on the second row, and just out-qualifying team-mate Andrea Dovizioso.
Jonas Folger (Yamaha Tech3) looks to keep his points lead in the fight for Rookie of the Year from P8, with Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda) just behind in ninth after a crash. Compatriot Scott Redding (Pramac) completes the top ten.
There were also crashes for Jack Miller (Marc VDS) and Andrea Iannone (Suzuki Ecstar) in the session, with the two men set to line up in P11 and P12 respectively.
From Q1 laptimes, the top fifteen is completed by Danilo Petrucci (Pramac) and Reale Avintia Racing duo Loris Baz and Hector Barbera.
Viñales vs Marquez vs Viñales vs Marquez…qualifying at COTA should whet appetites well for Sunday’s 14:00 (GMT -5) race, with the two men seemingly set for a showdown.
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