Aron Canet (Fantic Racing) has secured a heroic pole position, fighting through from Q1 to pull off a spectacular 1:35.037 lap. However, it was not a perfect session for Canet, crashing late in the session, and bringing a premature end to the #44’s session. Joining Canet on a competitive front row will be the World Championship leader, Joe Roberts (OnlyFans American Racing Team), who was a mere 0.136s behind. Rounding off the front row was Sergio Garcia (MT Helmets – MSI), continuing to impress this season.
No pain, no gain 💪
— MotoGP™🏁 (@MotoGP) May 11, 2024
Amazing stuff by Aron Canet to go to P1 🤯#FrenchGP 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/p1b4U3AW8K
Riders instantly pushing to the limits
Times were instantly fast in Q1, with redemption for Zonta Van Den Goorbergh (RW-Idrofoglia Racing GP), securing a spot in Q2 after setting a 1:35.437. Behind the #84 and also going through to Q2 were Canet, Senna Agius (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP), and Izan Guevara (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team). Once Q2 began Alonso Lopez (Folladore SpeedUp) hit the front as Marco Ramirez (OnlyFans American Racing Team) hit the deck at the final corner in the opening five minutes, with the team working quickly to fix the bike.
It was a dramatic start to the second run in Q2 with Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) having a delayed exit to the pitlane. Ai Ogura (MT Helmets - MSI) had issues of his own at the pit exit, forcing the #79 to push the bike back into the pitlane. Canet soon went quickest, storming to pole position after setting a 1:35.037, before crashing late in the session.
Close times and drama after the flag
Further down the grid on the second row will be Albert Arenas (QJMOTOR Gresini Moto2™), who ended the session just 0.340s away from pole position. After leading in the early stages of the session, Lopez will start the French GP from fifth place. After finishing Practice quickest, Manuel Gonzalez (QJMOTOR Gresini Moto2™) will start from sixth on the grid – rounding off a strong second row.
Crash after the checkered flag! 🫢@FilipSalac12 goes down hard after contact with @AlbertArenas75 💥#FrenchGP 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/Ti94gGrdI6
— MotoGP™🏁 (@MotoGP) May 11, 2024
Guevara heads the third row in seventh place for the French GP, after the Spaniard used all the experience learned in Q1 and was able to set a good time late in the session. Agius pulled off a super lap to charge to eighth on the grid, ahead of Elf Marc VDS Racing Team’s Filip Salac. However, after the session finished there was further drama for Salac with the #12 crashing after contact with Arenas.
Some riders further down the field will be aiming to charge from further down the order including Aldeguer, who will start from on the third row in 12th position on the grid, with work to do on Sunday. Further back, Ramirez, who after crashing was unable to put in a competitive time to fight for pole – qualifying in 18th. Starting ahead of Ramirez will be Ogura, who was unable to set another lap after suffering from issues when leaving the pitlane.
The Moto2™ race is just around the corner on Sunday at 12:15 local time (UTC +2), so make sure you keep up to date with all the action on motogp.com!
Top 10:
1 | Aron Canet (Fantic Racing) | 1:35.037 |
2 | Joe Roberts (OnlyFans American Racing Team) | +0.136 |
3 | Sergio Garcia (MT Helmets - MSI) | +0.211 |
4 | Albert Arenas (QJMOTOR Gresini Moto2™) | +0.340 |
5 | Alonso Lopez (Folladore SpeedUp) | +0.400 |
6 | Manuel Gonzalez (QJMOTOR Gresini Moto2™) | +0.416 |
7 | Izan Guevara (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team) | +0.562 |
8 | Senna Agius (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) | +0.573 |
9 | Filip Salac (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) | +0.616 |
10 | Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) | +0.738 |
FULL RESULTS!