Moto GP Bharat: Marco Bezzecchi Claims First Pole Position In India — IN PICS

For the first ever Moto GP qualifying at the Buddh International Circuit, his time was 1:43.947 being an all time lap record.

There was an intense rivalry with Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) being short by just 0.043s for the pole position. Then it was Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Tram) who also made it to the front row.

The Q1 session saw some action with Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP) having a crash while Raul Fernandez with the CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP Team scoring the Q1 with a time of 1:44.410.

The Q2 session was closer still where the first 1:43 lap at the Buddh Circuit was claimed. As mentioned earlier, it was a close battle between Martin and Bezzecchi for pole while the Repsol Honda Team also put in a strong performance with Joan Mir and Marc Marquez in P6.

The 7th position saw Johann Zaro from Prima Pramac Racing along with Fabio Quartararo from Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP positioned at 8th. 9th position saw Maverick Viñales from Aprilia Racing along with Aleix Espargaro coming in for 10th position.

Alex Marquez unfortunately will not take part post his Q1 crash. Hence, today saw Ducati putting the strongest show and there was plenty of action on offer today as the first Moto GP Bharat unfolded.

After friday, riders had asked for the race distances to be adjusted with hot and humid conditions. Hence, there has been a reduction in laps. Stay tuned for more updates while today saw a 1:43 lap at the Buddh Circuit and more action will follow. (All Photos: Somnath Chatterjee)