Yamaha's Maverick Viñales has taken pole position for the Aragon Grand Prix, exactly a tenth of a second ahead of Ducati's Jorge Lorenzo at the front as compatriot and key title rival Marc Marquez tumbled out of contention.
There was more headline news as an injured Valentino Rossi added another chapter to his incredible comeback, qualifying on the front row in third after missing only one event following his accident.
Under blue and sunny skies at the stunning MotorLand Aragon, FP3 had seen a shootout for Q2 entry that lit up the timesheets, and Lorenzo was the high profile name left to head through Q1. But the five-time world champion easily moved through, subsequently qualifying on the front row.
LCR Honda's Cal Crutchlow was the man to lose out late on as he was pushed down to fourth, but the two-time GP winner remains top Independent Team rider. Reigning Champion Marc Marquez, despite his crash – rider ok – will start in the middle of the second row, which is completed by teammate Dani Pedrosa.
Andrea Dovizioso had a solid session to take seventh and will be looking to move forward and track Championship rival Marquez, with Aleix Espargaro impressing in P8 at the venue where he took his first premier class podium. Alvaro Bautista (Pull&Bear Aspar Team) lines up ninth despite a crash, with Andrea Iannone taking P10.
Johann Zarco was eleventh quickest after moving through Q1, with Mika Kallio lining up in P12 as he wildcards and impresses once again. Jack Miller missed out on Q2 by only thousandths and starts P13, with Pol Espargaro and Karel Abraham locking out the fastest fifteen for the grid.
Now it’s time to race, with equal points at the top between Marquez and Dovizioso – both of whom start off the front row – Rossi fighting through the pain barrier, and Viñales ready to strike from pole.
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