Ajo Motorsport rider sets fastest time in qualifying in Valencia, breaking the circuit fastest lap.
Johann Zarco took pole position for the Valencia GP in qualifying this Saturday, claiming his seventh top spot of the season. The Ajo Motorsport rider, who races in Moto2 for the final time tomorrow, broke the circuit fastest lap at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit in the process, clocking a 1:34.879 top lap.

During the final Free Practice session of the weekend, the two-time World Champion worked with used tyres and set a good race pace. With 15 minutes remaining, the Frenchman lowered his best time from Friday, with a 1:35.626 that placed him fourth.

His good feeling from practice continued in qualifying, as he set the pole time on his third hot lap. His 1:34.879 time went unmatched by any of his rivals, as Zarco turned his focus to finding a good pace. He will start from pole at Valencia for the first time, but it is his seventh pole of the season –equalling his tally from 2015.

The Moto2 Valencian GP takes place tomorrow at 12:20pm local time. Seventh last season, Zarco will attempt to round off his tenure at Ajo Motorsport with a victory.
Results – Qualifying Practice
1. Johann Zarco (Ajo Motorsport) 1:34.879
2. Thomas Luthi (Kalex) 1:34.885 +0.006
3. Franco Morbidelli (Kalex) 1:34.933 +0.054
4. Mattia Pasini (Kalex) 1:35.152 +0.273
5. Alex Rins (Kalex) 1:35.184 +0.305

5 JOHANN ZARCO

“It’s fantastic to be on pole in my final qualifying session in Moto2, and it will be a good memory for me. Franco [Morbidelli] and Thomas [Luthi] are very strong so at this weekend and getting better with every session. I want to thank the team for improving the bike so much, because I was able to push to the maximum in qualifying. I set my fastest lap when following Morbidelli; although later it was difficult to improve –even at the end with the new tyre. Tomorrow we will have to be very focused until the chequered flag; I want to have a good warmup and be very consistent. We need to make a few adjustments but I am happy to be in good form after winning the title.”