Johann Zarco (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) kept his momentum as top rookie in Texas rolling in qualifying, taking an impressive second row start in P5 - and knocked off a provisional front row towards the end of the session.
The Frenchman looks well set up for the race, too - and was one of the riders mentioned by Valentino a Rossi (Movistar Yamaha MotoGP) as a man he expects to fight to get on the podium.
Johann Zarco, P5: "Today went positively for myself and the team and we are very pleased with the qualifying result for tomorrow’s race. In Q2, we used the soft compound of tyre, like almost everyone else, and my feeling was strong on the Yamaha. I set a solid lap time, and I held third at the end of the session, but then Rossi and Pedrosa, who have a lot of experience, were able to improve their times and I ended up in 5th. The result is still fantastic and I will use this opportunity to push for a great finish. I aim to undertake a solid start and then stay with the top guys for as long as possible and learn from them because this is the best way to gain knowledge. Throughout this weekend my ambition has been to work in preparation for the race, but at the same time, I have been able to post a fast lap time whenever it was necessary. So, I am still learning and I will need some more time to get closer to the front, but at the moment everything is going well which is why I can smile."