In this unpredictable 2015 MotoGP season, qualifying yielded another shock. The factory Suzukis of Aleix Espargaro and Maverick Viñales claimed the front row for tomorrow’s Catalan Grand Prix. This marks the first time that a Suzuki has been on pole position since Chris Vermuelen in 2007, and casts away any doubt that the famous Japanese factory is ready to be at the front of MotoGP.
In perfect conditions at the Barcelona track, Aleix Espargaro was able to consistently lap at the top of the leader board right from the first free practice. The young Spaniard considers Catalonia his home circuit and has won there previously in both Moto2 and the Spanish CEV championship. But the blistering pace he set in qualifying surprised many, including himself.
“Unbelievable!” said Espargaro many times to the MotoGP camera after his pole position was confirmed.
Espargaro’s teammate, MotoGP rookie Maverick Viñales, was a very close second, while Jorge Lorenzo continued his 2015 attack on the world championship in 3rd. Marc Marquez could only manage 4th followed by Ducati’s Andrea Dovizioso was 5th. Current world championship points leader, Valentino Rossi placed 8th.
