Six-time MotoGP world champion Marc Marquez secured his first MotoGP pole since 2019 after clocking the fastest time in Q2 at The Japanese Grand Prix.
- Marquez returns to pole position after three years at Motegi ahead of Johann Zarco and Brad Binder.
- Quartararo will start at the third row of the grid in ninth place.
Marquez showcased spectacular form on Saturday despite a disastrous comeback last week at Aragon after he collided with Fabio Quartararo and Takaaki Nakagami.
The Repsol Honda rider managed to hold off late charges from Johann Zarco and Brad Binder to claim his first pole position this season.
Marquez set impressive opening laps in tricky conditions before Fabio Quartararo, and Johann Zarco bettered his time.
However, the Spaniard regained the top spot with another flying lap to get clear of Zarco and Brad Binder.
Both Zarco and Binder tried to respond in the final minute but lost time compared to Marquez.
Meanwhile, current title contender Aleix Espargaro finished sixth, while the current championship leader, Quartararo, could only secure the ninth spot.
Nonetheless, it was a shocking Q2 for the on-form rider, Francesco Bagnaia, as he will start at P12.
