Ogden takes career-first pole in wet Sachsenring qualifying

Turn 11 may well be dubbed the waterfall – today, it was. Moto3™ qualifying took place in rainy conditions at the Sachsenring, meaning a whole host of shocks and surprises were possible. A red flag during Q1 meant time was of the essence and making the most of it to bag a career-first pole was Britain’s Scott Ogden (CIP Green Power), pipping David Almansa (Leopard Racing) and Guido Pini (LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP). Down in P12, Championship leader Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) found the wet weather tricky on Saturday.

Graduating from Q1, Cormac Buchanan (DENSSI Racing – BOE), Valentin Perrone, Eddie O’Shea (GRYD MLav Racing) and Noah Dettwiler (CIP Green Power) all emerged through the mist and the rain to bank crucial Q2 slots and join the 14 already in. Whilst the drizzle fizzled out, the track was still too wet to think about anything but wet tyres for the all-important qualifying time attacks. On the installation lap, Guido Pini fell at Turn 8, bringing out the red flag to fix the damaged air fence that his bike had hit. He was OK and after a short pause, action resumed with 11 minutes on the clock.

There was no time to waste as the riders hit the track and steadily, lap times were improving. With five minutes to go, Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing) took over at the top before running on at Turn 1 whilst there were red sectors galore behind him. The rider who took over briefly was Scott Ogden, continuing his strong weekend.

David Muñoz (LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP) crashed at Turn 8, just like teammate Pini, ending his session with three minutes to go. A few minutes later, Alvaro Carpe (Red Bull KTM Ajo) crashed at the same corner. With the yellow flags out and no option to improve, Ogden held on to pole, the first of his career and the first for a British rider since the European GP in 2020 and John McPhee. Almansa came good to take P2 whilst it was Pini who rounds out the front row. Teammate Muñoz clinched P4 ahead of late faller Carpe and Fernandez.

Behind the top six, Maximo Quiles (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) heads up the third row ahead of Q1 graduate Buchanan and a career-best for Eddie O’Shea (GRYD Mlav Racing) in P9. The top ten is rounded out by Angel Piqueras (FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI). Championship leader Rueda could only manage P12 and has work to do for Sunday, whereas Joel Kelso (LEVELUP-MTA) is just behind him in P13.

Check out full Moto3 qualifying results from Sachsenring HERE!