It's as if the Austin track were designed especially for him. It's safe to say Marc Marquez didn't hold back in qualifying, scoring his second pole of the season after that of Argentina one week ago. The Honda rider's second attempt was enough to secure first place on the grid, thanks to a time of 2’03”188. The Spaniard's aggressive riding has proved to be his secret weapon and it's almost as if he's only going half the distance with respect to his rivals: “I feel strong, especially in terms of pace – stated #93 - with the new tyre perhaps I can't give 100%, but I've got positive feedback anyway. Now we have to keep focused, because our rivals are a lot closer”.
The front row mirrors that of last Saturday at Rio Hondo, with the two Yamahas hot on the heels of the Honda, though this time it's Lorenzo who lines up alongside his fellow countryman. The world champion put together an extremely fast lap but lost 69 thousandths in the final sector which proved fatal. “We've made a step forward today – said #99 - we need to improve electronics. The aim is the podium obviously, ahead of the upcoming European races”.
Alongside him, almost half a second from pole, is Rossi (+0.456). A Valentino who prefers to see the glass half full, particularly after Friday's problems: “I'm pleased with what we've done today – explained the Doctor - especially in terms of pace with the race tyre, as we're similar to Jorge. It was essential to start from the front row and I'd say we're there”.
Andrea Iannone qualifies fourth (+0.725), first of the Ducatis, although he will actually start from three positions further back due to the penalty received after the incident on the final lap of the Argentinian race. Behind him is Maverick Vinales on the Suzuki (+1.058), just 0.018 ahead of the Honda LCR of Crutchlow. Seventh for Andrea Dovizioso (+1.151), while Daniel Pedrosa (+1.191) continues to struggle. Eighth for the Spaniard, over a second from his team-mate.
Rounding out the top ten are Aleix Espargarò and the Ducati Pramac of Scott Redding. Jack Miller has been ruled out of racing in the Americas GP, having fractured his fifth metatarsus.