Marc Marquez (Honda) took his sixth straight pole position in Austin earlier today, but was penalized 3 grid positions (more about that later) and will start from the inside of the second row tomorrow. Qualifying behind Marquez were Maverick Viñales (Yamaha) and Andrea Iannone (Suzuki) in the second and third spots, respectively.
During Q2, Marquez was cruising slowly on the race line and blocked Viñales, who was on a fast lap. Race Direction ultimately docked Marquez 3 grid positions as a penalty for this, so tomorrow’s front row will see Viñales start from pole, with Iannone and Johann Zarco (Yamaha) filling out the front row. A similar 3-grid-spot penalty was imposed on Pol Espargaro (KTM) for the same type of infraction committed during Q1.
Take a look here for full qualifying results. Stay tuned for race coverage on MD tomorrow.
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WTH is wrong with Marquez. Since someone else was already penalized for this he knew it wasn’t legal. He’s going to kill someone.
Marquez has a NASCAR style about him.
Why not put Marquez at the back. What could go wrong?
MM was penalized. Vinales will start from pole.
“Race Direction ultimately docked Marquez 3 grid positions as a penalty for this, so tomorrow’s front row will see Viñales start from pole”
Lately, it seems Marc’s Head is not in the game, and that he thinks he’s the only one out there. Viñales was on pace for pole, MM deserved a penalty