Marquez earns first MotoGP pole in 3 years

Honda’s six-time MotoGP champion Marc Marquez has taken pole position in a rain- hit qualifying in Japan as world championship leader Fabio Quartararo managed only ninth on the grid.

Marquez, who made his return at last week’s Aragon Grand Prix after recovering from surgery on his right arm, posted a time of 1:55.214 at Motegi on Saturday to snatch pole on the same circuit where he claimed his last pole three years ago in 2019.

Pramac Ducati’s Johann Zarco finished second with Red Bull KTM’s Brad Binder completing the front row.

Australia’s Jack Miller was seventh fastest for Ducati Lenovo Team.

None of this year’s three title contenders qualified any higher than sixth. That was Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing), with neither Quartararo nor Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) making the first two rows.

AAP (C) 2022

Marc Marquez celebrates earning pole position for the Japan MotoGP race. (EPA PHOTO)