Ajo Motorsport rider takes his first pole position of the season and the first for the team in the intermediate category in Argentina.

After getting his first 2015 podium last week in Austin, this afternoon at the Termas de Rio Hondo circuit Johann Zarco secured his first pole position of the season. The Frenchman of the Ajo Motorsport team dominated the qualifying session, notching his best lap on the last attempt and setting a new pole position record of 1:42.809.

He also used the final free practice session to identify and test the best set-up for the race tomorrow. He was not amongst the top times until the last minute, when his final lap of 1:43.010 saw him lower his time from yesterday and left him just 0.049s from leader Sam Lowes.

In the qualifying session he then beat his morning best. The Ajo Motorsport rider came out ready to score his first pole of the year and left his rivals in his shadows. Zarco dominated the entire session, riding alone and improving lap after lap. It was however in the last minute when he completed the fastest lap and set a new record for Termas de Rio Hondo with a time of 1:42.809.

The pole position achieved today by Zarco is the second for the Frenchman in the intermediate category and the sixth of his career. From the front of the grid tomorrow the Ajo Motorsport man goes in search of his second consecutive podium of the season.

Results (Qualifying practice)
1. Johann Zarco (Ajo Motorsport) 1:42.809
2. Tito Rabat (Kalex) 1.43.102 +0.293
3. Thomas Luthi (Kalex) 1:43.165 +0.356
4. Sam Lowes (Speed Up) 1:43.253 +0.444
5. Alex Rins (Kalex) 1:43.364 +0.555

Johann Zarco,
“Conditions in the qualifying session were a little complicated because it was quite windy, but honestly the feeling that I have on the Kalex is even better than what I had in Austin. I felt very comfortable and was fast and steady so I’m happy with this first pole position. But this is only a first step. The important thing is tomorrow, I hope to push hard in the race and go for the win. Thanks to the team for all the work they are doing.”