Johann Zarco’s 1:47.293 was enough to ensure the Pramac rider’s place in Q2 at the Tissot Grand Prix of Aragon. Only a hair’s breadth separated the Frenchman from fellow graduate Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), who booked his place in the battle for pole next.
Iker Lecuona (Tech3 KTM Factory Racing) and Alex Marquez (LCR Honda Idemitsu) fell just short but put in encouraging performances, as did Maverick Viñales. The newest Aprilia rider threatened the top of the timesheets at the end of the session but ultimately fell short as he still gets to grips with the RS-GP. It was also a disastrous session for Suzuki’s Alex Rins, who will line up on the grid in a season-worst P20.
Next up is Q2, with pole position in Sunday’s race at stake. Make sure you stay tuned.