MotoGP: Bagnaia beats Vinales to pole in Austria

Using his superior Ducati power, Francesco Bagnaia snatched pole from Maverick Vinales in a thrilling qualifying for the MotoGP Austrian GP.

 Brad Binder is set to start KTM’s home GP from the outside of the front row.

Pitlane opened for Q2 and it was time for the big hitters to hit the circuit to decide the grid for the Austrian Grand Prix racing action. As the sound of MotoGP™ roared through the Styrian hills, it was Maverick Viñales who led the charge after the first run of laps, setting the first 1:28 lap of the session with his teammate Aleix Espargaro in the gravel trap. Bagnaia and Quartararo joined the Spaniard in the top three as the bikes rolled back into the pitlane. 

Fresh rubber went in and it was crunch time in MotoGP™ qualifying at the Red Bull Ring. Viñales meant business as he slotted himself behind the pole-hound Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing). Martin was first to move the goalposts with Viñales following and retaking the top spot.

The KTMs put themselves well into the mix as the clock ticked down before Francesco Bagnaia put in a Champions’ lap as he stamped his authority, and showed the grid exactly why he has the number 1 plate on his factory Ducati machine.

Viñales remained untouched in P2 with the KTMs late-charge consolidating Brad Binder an important front row at KTM’s home circuit. The South African’s teammate Jack Miller was bumped down to P4 after Bagnaia’s stellar lap. The boys in orange will be sure to put themselves in victory contention and make full use of their lightning starts. 

Qualifying Results

* Rookie