Moto2 World Championship leader takes second pole position of the season and sets new record for fastest lap of the circuit, with a time of 1:45.895.

Zarco, Moto2, Catalunya MotoGP 2015

The second day of the Catalan GP went perfectly for Ajo Motorsport rider Johann Zarco, beginning with second place in the final Free Practice session and ending with pole position on the starting grid. The Frenchman also established a new record for best lap of the track, with a 1:45.895. This is his second pole position, after his first of the season in Argentina.

Zarco came into the final free practice session of the weekend willing to keep improving his pace, completing a first stint of 15 laps. On his sixth lap, the Ajo Motorsport rider lowered his best time from yesterday, although it was not until his last lap that he set his definitive time of 1:46.669 for second place. Zarco was just 0.063 off the best lap of the session.

Continuing with his good feeling from the morning session, Zarco was soon up at the front in the qualifying session, maintaining the position whilst steadily lowering his times. It was on his second stint that the Ajo Motorsport rider clinched pole, setting a 1:45.895 lap that was a new record for fastest lap of the circuit.  He had set two consecutive pole-worthy times and was the only rider to go below the 1:46 mark.

The Moto2 Catalan GP starts at 12:20pm local time on Sunday. Zarco is determined to take another win, to allow him to increase his advantage at the head of the World Championship standings.

Results (Qualifying practice)
1. Johann Zarco (Ajo Motorsport) 1:45.895
2. Jonas Folger (Kalex) 1:46.060 +0.165
3. Tito Rabat (Kalex) 1:46.123 +0.228
4. Dominique Aegerter (Kalex) 1:46.191 +0.296
5. Sam Lowes (Speed Up) 1:46.333 +0.438

Johann Zarco,
“This pole position has been a great gift for the good work we have done so far. Since yesterday, from the first Free Practices sessions, we have set good fast laps and had a good pace on used tyres, so we’re well prepared for tomorrow’s race. The goal is to take victory. Starting from pole position is important, as it would have been to start from anywhere on the front row. This gives you more options to win the race. I don’t know what will happen tomorrow, but I will try to escape and try to ride smart. I’ll be fighting against the other riders to try to cross the finish line first.”