Pol Espargaro (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) took a strategic third on the grid in a difficult qualifying session at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, as the Spaniard took the decision to change to slicks later on in the drying session - despite the impending threat of rain. Just behind his brother Aleix (Team Suzuki Ecstar), the younger Espargaro brother just stole the front row start as he followed him over the line, with the rain staying away to allow the choice of slick tyres to pay off – and making Espargaro the second Independent Team rider on the front row, just behind Cal Crutchlow.
Pol Espargaro (P3): “I started practice behind Marc, really early, because the forecast said rain was coming in 15 minutes. I was on the intermediates trying to do the fastest lap as quickly as possible, but I had some doubts whether I should push or not, and after 1 lap I realized it wasn’t a good idea and came in to get slicks. It was a big gamble because if the rain came, we were the last. But we were lucky, and we did a good job.”