Monster Yamaha Tech 3 rider Johann Zarco, who scored a brilliant pole position last time out in Japan, produced a dazzling performance to qualify in 3rd for the round 16 fight this afternoon.
The Frenchman began the day with a highly confident display in mixed conditions to complete FP3 in 2nd, however, his personal best from Friday saw him progress through to Q2 in 8th.
He commenced the shootout with instant speed and eventually finished with a hot lap that left him just 0.025 back from Maverick Viรฑales and as the top independent rider.
"After qualifying third, I have high expectations and I hope to stay with Marquez and Viรฑales in the race,โ he said. โI think that they are going to be the two strongest riders and they will fight, plus, I'm sure that Viรฑales will want to take the opportunity to win the GP.โ
โIf I can follow them and battle for the podium, it would be fantastic. As for my pace, it was quite positive and I was happy to use the medium tyre in FP4 and I felt good on it. Now we will wait and see what happens with the weather tomorrow but I am confident that we can have a great 27 lap sprint."
