Thrilling battle sees Lorenzo take pole from Rossi

Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi served up a classic qualifying session at Motegi with the Yamaha teammates dominating the 15 minute session. Rossi surprised everyone by challenging for pole position but ultimately despite having to leave it until the last minute Lorenzo claimed the honours but tomorrow’s race now looks set to be a classic.

Rossi had been struggling until this morning and having been fifth fastest in FP3 he made a step forward in the race simulations of FP4 before looking set to snatch an unexpected pole. On his final lap Lorenzo bested Rossi by less than a tenth of a second.

Marc Marquez was third fastest ahead of the Ducati’s of Andrea Dovizioso and Andrea Iannone.

Cal Crutchlow was eighth fastest to be the top Brit with Bradley Smith ninth quickest despite two crashes. Scott Redding made it through to Q2 but with no fresh tyres for the session he had to settle for 12th on the grid.