MotoGP: Marquez on pole as Dovi suffers a disaster

Marc Marquez will start tomorrow’s Australian Grand Prix at Phillip Island from pole position, capitalising on a difficult day for championship rival Andrea Dovizioso, who will have to come through the field from a disastrous 11^th to maintain his title aspirations.

Marquez controlled much of the session at the seaside circuit despite brief spells at the front for Maverick Viñales and Johann Zarco, eventually finishing up a third of a second clear of the Yamaha duo on the front row.

Andrea Iannone was a strong fourth on the Suzuki, ahead of home hero Jack Miller, continuing his strong performances of all weekend despite a broken leg. The second row was rounded out by Pol Espargaró, handing KTM their best ever qualifying finish so far.

Valentino Rossi, Aleix Espargaró, and a good result for the second Red Bull KTM of Bradley Smith completed the third row, with Cal Crutchlow forced back to tenth when a crash on his fast lap took him out of contention.

It was a disappointing day all round for Ducati, too, with only Dovizioso making it to qualifying two and his factory teammate Jorge Lorenzo forced back to 16^th place as his woes continue at the Australian track.