Valencia MotoGP: Marc Marquez on pole for decider

Marc Marquez moved a step closer to becoming the youngest-ever MotoGP world champion by securing pole at the season-ending race in Valencia.

The 20 year-old, who will win the title in his rookie season with a top-four finish, clocked a circuit record one minute 30.237 seconds.

That put him ahead of world champion Jorge Lorenzo – the only rider who can deny Marquez the championship.

Dani Pedrosa was third fastest, with British rider Cal Crutchlow fifth.

Crutchlow is competing in his final race for Tech 3 Yamaha before joining Ducati for next season.

Marquez has 318 points, 13 ahead of fellow Spaniard Lorenzo, who is bidding for his third successive win.

He will be hoping Marquez falters in Sunday’s race, although the latter’s form this season suggests that is unlikely.

Marquez has finished on the podium in 15 of the 17 races so far this season.

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“Taking pole position is something that will be very important for us.”

Marc Marquez

However, Marquez did have a scare in his final lap in qualifying, nearly coming off his bike before recovering.

“We are happy because we have achieved the goal that we had set for today: to be on the front row,” said Marquez.

“Taking pole position is something that will be very important for us.”

“One thing is qualifying, the other is the race,” said Lorenzo. “We tried our best for pole position but unfortunately bike number one had an issue when we had our second attempt at a fast lap.

“We went to the second bike but it was an older engine with a different character and it didn’t feel the same.

“If we make a good start tomorrow we can overtake Marquez and see what we can do in the race.”

Seven-time world champion Valentino Rossi was fourth fastest.

Valencia qualifying times:

1. Marc Marquez (Spa) Repsol Honda 1’30.237

2. Jorge Lorenzo (Spa) Yamah 1’30.577

3. Dani Pedrosa (Spa) Repsol Honda 1’30.663

4. Valentino Rossi (Ita) Yamaha 1’30.920

5. Cal Crutchlow (GB) Tech 3 Yamaha 1’31.113

6. Bradley Smith (GB) Tech 3 Yamaha 1’31.201

7. Alvaro Bautista (Spa) Honda Gresini 1’31.594

8. Stefan Bradl (Ger) LCR Honda 1’31.638

9. Andrea Dovizioso (Ita) Ducati 1’31.718

10. Nicky Hayden (US) 1’31.870

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