With a time of 1:22.994 minutes, Jorge Martin raced his Ducati into pole position for the Michelin® Grand Prix of Styria 2021. The Spaniard smashed the fastest lap time ever recorded at the Red Bull Ring from Marc Márquez in 2019 in the process.
Alongside him on the front row are Francesco Bagnaia of Italy and French World Championship leader Fabio Quartararo. The best starting place for KTM was the P12 taken by last year’s winner Miguel Oliveira (POR), who just managed to qualify for the battle for the top positions in Q1.
Views of the riders on qualifying:
Jorge Martin (ESP/Ducati): “I had a few problems in the second turn, but it still ended up being a super first sector. It was a really top lap. It was very difficult due to the track limits, but 1:22.9 is a really good time. I saw that Francesco and Marc were getting closer but it came off in the end, and I am extremely happy!”
Francesco Bagnaia (ITA/Ducati): “Last year we weren’t at the front, which makes me even more pleased about this result. I had to find my way into it at first. I felt happy today. The most important thing is that we are starting on the front row. I can only congratulate Jorge as he put in an incredible time!”
Fabio Quartarao (FRA/Yamaha): “I still have problems with the track limits, but I got the maximum out of it. The speed limit plays a big role here. We had a disadvantage in that compared to Ducati. I took a brutal risk. It’s fantastic to see the fans back on the grandstands. Hopefully it will be a good race for us!”
Amazing atmosphere at the Spielberg MotoGP Bike City
Entertainment before, during and after the practice and qualifying sessions on Saturday was provided by DJ acts and motorcycle stunt shows in the Spielberg MotoGP Bike City. The fans will be there again to enjoy more top entertainment before the first big race of the back-to-back Grands Prix in 2021 on Sunday.
It’s not too late for 2021 Styria GP tickets!
Anyone who wants to be there when Valentino Rossi makes his last MotoGP appearances in Austria can still buy tickets at the circuit’s ticket points!
Tickets for the Austrian GP from 13 to 15 August next weekend can be found here!
All the info at-a-glance:
- With the Red Bull Ring App – you’ll be in pole position for the latest news
- Travelling here – get to Spielberg without having to queue
- Covid entry requirements – with a ticket and proof of vaccination, a recovery or negative test, you are all set!
- Schedule – for race day, Sunday
