Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) topped Q1 to secure safe passage through to the battle for pole thanks to a 1:30.673. Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) finished just 0.115s behind but will join his Spanish counterpart in Q2 at the Motul Grand Prix of Valencia.
Both race winners in 2021, the session’s top two were a class above the rest as they lead for the majority of the action and can now look forward to scrapping it out for pole position. Andrea Dovizioso (Petronas Yamaha SRT), who has looked in good form at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit, threatened to spoil the party as he temporarily sat in P2 but South African Binder soon posted his riposte, knocking the veteran Italian into third.
A crash from Alex Marquez brought out the yellow flags late in the session, disrupting some riders attempts at putting together a fast lap, while the LCR Honda Castrol rider will line up towards the back of the grid.
Up next is Q2, where Valentino Rossi (Petronas Yamaha SRT) will participate in qualifying one final time. Make sure you stay tuned to see how he fares.