Yamaha's Jorge Lorenzo will start the season-opening Qatar Grand Prix from pole position after claiming the top spot in a close and dramatic qualifying session at Losail.
The reigning world champion held the top spot with his first attempt, a 1:54.543, but looked to improve on his final run. However a mistake under braking at Turn 1 left the door open for his rivals to seize the opportunity to overhaul the Spaniard.
Andrea Iannone came close to doing just that, but his lap was compromised by Pramac's Scott Redding, which saw Iannone eventually finish fourth quickest, less than two tenths adrift.
It was Marc Marquez who got the closest, but it wasn't close enough. A 1:54.634 – less than a tenth shy – meant Lorenzo's mistake went unpunished. Marquez however made a mistake of his own, whilst completing a practice start he speared off into the gravel trap.
Suzuki's Maverick Vinales also finished within a tenth of the quickest lap and will start third for the race.
Valentino Rossi will start fifth alongside Ducati's Andrea Dovizioso whilst the third row will consist of Dani Pedrosa, Hector Barbera and Pol Espargaro with Cal Crutchlow completing the top ten.
