Marquez clinches pole

World championship leader Marc Marquez, riding a Honda, took his second pole position in MotoGP when he clocked the best time in the second qualifying session of the French Grand Prix in Le Mans yesterday. The 20-year-old Spanish rookie, who became the...

World championship leader Marc Marquez, riding a Honda, took his second pole position in MotoGP when he clocked the best time in the second qualifying session of the French Grand Prix in Le Mans yesterday.

The 20-year-old Spanish rookie, who became the youngest MotoGP winner when he won the Grand Prix of the Americas last month, clocked one minute 32.187 seconds and beat compatriot Jorge Lorenzo on a Yamaha by 0.030 of a second.

Italian Andrea Dovizioso was third, 0.416 off the pace.

“I’m very happy. I had the confidence,” Marquez said.

Dani Pedrosa crashed but was back on his bike to take the sixth fastest time behind Britain’s Cal Crutchlow and German Stefan Bradl, who were fourth and fifth respectively.

Valentino Rossi, looking to clinch his 80th career MotoGP, could manage eighth place only.

Standings: 1. Marquez 61; 2. Pedrosa 58; 3. Lorenzo 57; 4. Rossi 43; 5. Crutchlow 35; 6. Bautista 28; 7. Dovizioso 26; 8. Hayden 24; 9. Espargaro 17; 10. Iannone 13.

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