Marc Marquez says he is over the moon to secure an “important” pole for the Italian grand prix at Mugello, and that he “calculated” the distance to get a good slipstream “very well”.
The factory Honda racer secured pole following a close battle between himself and Petronas SRT Yamaha pilot Fabio Quartararo, the former eventually taking the top spot by just 0.214.
Marquez had his first lap compromised by having to overtake Ducati rider Andrea Dovizioso at the tricky fast chicane of turns 10/11, giving Quartararo the early advantage.
A well-timed slipstream from Dovizioso gave Marquez the boost he needed to the line on his final flyer to usurp the Frenchman’s provisional pole time.
“It was a difficult qualifying because it was difficult to find the way to be fast. With the first tyre I felt ready to go, I attacked but then Dovi slowed down and I had to overtake him and then lost time, but it was still a good lap,” explained Marquez.
“Then I said OK, now it is time to play our strategy.
“I found a good space with a slipstream; I calculated very well the speed differential between me and Dovi.
“The pole position is important, but the most important thing is to be on the front row and try to be ready for the race tomorrow as the Yamaha riders are riding really well.”
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