German rider Stefan Bradl (LCR Honda RC213V) claimed his first MotoGP pole position at Laguna Seca, heading a trio of Honda's taking control of the front row of the grid for tomorrow's US GP at the exciting and challenging Californian circuit.
Bradl's triumph came with only 30 seconds of an exciting final qualifying session remaining. Repsol Honda RC213V rider Marc Marquez had set the pace all session, but had to watch powerless from the pits after slipping off unhurt while striving to put pole position out of reach.
"It's an unbelievable sensation!" Bradl enthused. "My first pole position in the premier class at this spectacular circuit and I am the first German rider to get this result in the MotoGP history. I cannot ask for more!
"We knew that we have a good pace all the weekend but this result is another step forward for me and the team. I am happy with the bike set-up, as happened in Germany, and want to thank my team for their job. We did not make any particular changes, just adjusted some small things ahead the qualifying and my pace was immediately fast.
"We had a small problem when I stopped at the garage to change the tyre and we lost half a second but once I was out again the track was clear in front of me and I could go for my perfect lap. I think it was my best lap ever," he concluded.
Rookie championship leader Marquez stayed second, and will start from the front row of the grid for the sixth time this season. His earlier lap time was 0.017 seconds slower than pole.
Team GO&FUN Honda Gresini RC213V rider Alvaro Bautista stormed to third, for his first front row this year. Factory Yamaha racer Valentino Rossi will lead off the second row of the grid qualifying 4th ahead of Monster Energy Tech 3 Yamaha rider Cal Crutchlow.
Current world Champion Jorge Lorenzo and his long time rival Dani Pedrosa both returned from injury, qualifying six and seventh respectivley. Ducati's Andrea Dovizioso, Tech 3 Yamaha's Bradley Smith and American Nicky Hayden who recently announced he will part ways with his Ducati MotoGp team at the end of the season rounded out the top ten.
Australia's Bryan Staring will start from 22nd position on the grid.
Laguna Seca MotoGP Qualifying Top 10:
1. Stefan BRADL GER LCR Honda MotoGP Honda 264.3 1'21.176
2. Marc MARQUEZ SPA Repsol Honda Team Honda 263.1 1'21.193
3. Alvaro BAUTISTA SPA GO&FUN Honda Gresini Honda 1'21.373
4. Valentino ROSSI ITA Yamaha Factory Racing Yamaha 1'21.418
5. Cal CRUTCHLOW GBR Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Yamaha 1'21.420
6. Jorge LORENZO SPA Yamaha Factory Racing Yamaha 1'21.453
7. Dani PEDROSA SPA Repsol Honda Team Honda 1'21.728
8 Andrea DOVIZIOSO ITA Ducati Team Ducati 1'22.026
9. Bradley SMITH GBR Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Yamaha 1'22.075
10. Nicky HAYDEN USA Ducati Team Ducati 1'22.090
Top Image: Stefan Bradl secured his first ever MotoGp pole at Laguna Seca
Credit: Honda Racing
