Marc Marquez has played down talk of him being the favourite to win the Australian MotoGP, while also calling the slipstream from Francesco Bagnaia ‘crucial’ after ending up on the front row as a result.
MotoGP title contender Aleix Espargaro was given a tow by Aprilia team-mate Maverick Vinales on his way to fourth on the grid in qualifying at Phillip Island.
Fermin Aldeguer lead the way when a red flag was needed again for geese on the track. Ai Ogura was one of many caught out by the early end to the session in qualifying for the Moto2 Australian Grand Prix.
Ducati once again proved too strong for its competition in qualifying trim at the Australian MotoGP, as Jorge Martin secured pole with a new lap record.
Qualifying belonged to a dominant Ayumu Sasaki, while Izan Guevara starts his first title winning opportunity from seventh ahead of the Moto3 Australian Grand Prix at Phillip Island.
Although he remains more focused on scoring the most points possible at the Australian MotoGP rather than the championship battle, Francesco Bagnaia has also conceded now is the time to ‘attack’.
Fabio Quartararo might have secured a top five finish on the opening day of the Australian MotoGP, however, top speed was again an issue for the series leader.
Marc Marquez tried several different aerodynamic updates for his Repsol Honda on the way to a competitive sixth place during Friday practice at the Australian MotoGP.