MotoGP: Marquez Secures 100th Career Pole with Record-Breaking Lap in Italian GP Qualifying

ROME, June 21 — Marc Marquez claimed the 100th pole position of his career in dramatic style during qualifying for the Italian Grand Prix at Mugello today, marking his debut pole with Ducati at their home circuit in a session that saw the lap record repeatedly shattered.

The Spaniard’s pole was his sixth of the season and the 72nd of his MotoGP career, adding to his 14 poles in both Moto2 and the 125cc World Championship.

“I’m super happy because this was a genuine pole position — no slipstream, just me pushing to the limit on my own,” said Marquez. “The pace was decent, but I’ll need to stay patient because the warmer afternoon conditions could change everything. For now, we’re ready to fight in both the sprint and main races.”

Marquez first set a provisional fastest lap by strategically positioning himself behind his brother, Alex Marquez, using the Gresini Ducati’s slipstream to his benefit. As Alex crossed the line with a record-breaking time, Marc immediately bettered it with a new lap record of his own.

Yamaha’s Fabio Quartararo then briefly broke the record again, but his celebration was short-lived as Francesco Bagnaia — Marquez’s Ducati teammate and three-time winner at Mugello — set an even faster lap.

With one final flying lap remaining, Marquez dug deep and clocked a blistering 1:44.169, edging out Bagnaia by just 0.059 seconds to seal pole. Alex Marquez will also line up on the front row.

“I gave it everything in qualifying. Marc was in incredible form, and beating him wasn’t easy,” said Bagnaia. “Starting from the front row was my goal, and this is my best qualifying result so far this season.”

Despite also breaking the lap record, Quartararo ended up fourth fastest. He’ll start from the second row alongside KTM’s Maverick Vinales and VR46 Racing’s Franco Morbidelli. — Reuters