Moto3: Martin smashes lap record for pole position

Jorge Martin has broken Jack Miller’s record from 2014 in qualifying for the Spanish, setting a 1:46.004 on his penultimate run on clear track to top the timesheets by over four tenths and secure his second pole of the season. Compatriot Aron Canet lines up in second, with Texas winner Romano Fenati completing the front row.

Speaking afterwards, Martin said: “I’m very happy. It has been a great day and it feels good to be on pole position for the second time this year. I’m even happier of our pace with the hard tyre, which is the most important thing. The bike is perfect in this configuration, so I’m ready to go for the best possible race!”

Last year’s polesitter Nicolo Bulega heads up the second row in fourth, ahead of a career best for Marcos Ramirez in fifth. Niccolo Antonelli on the Red Bull KTM Ajo locks out the second row.

Tatsuki Suzuki was another putting in a best ever as he starts in seventh, ahead of Sky Racing Team VR46’s Andrea Migno. Championship leader Joan Mir had crossed the line to take an initial P4 for Leopard Racing, but then had that lap time cancelled for exceeding track limits and will instead start in ninth on the third row.

Scotsman John McPhee struggled to a disappointing 26^th after losing time in the session to a dud tyre and then making the wrong compound selection for what turned out to be his only chance at a fast time.