The German Grand Prix began with a lap record set in practice by Ducati’s Francesco Bagnaia, who topped off his Saturday with a fourth pole position and a third year in row.
Only Bagnaia completed his qualifying lap inside the 1 minute 20 second mark at a track where Ducati has struggled in recent years
Bagnaia in 2021 finished runner-up in the championship, after that, he beat the lap record during FP3.
His competitors Fabio Quartararo of Yamaha and Johann Zarco of Pramac Racing will join him on the front row.
Despite these conditions, we have done a great job. It’s hot today, and tomorrow it’s going to be even hotter. Bagnaia said in a pit lane interview, It was a wonderful session, I was surprised that the week started so well, but I feel very comfortable with everything after every session..
As for other Aprilia riders, Aleix Espargaro, second in the standings, starts fourth with Fabio Di Giannantonio (Gresini Racing) and Ducati’s Jack Miller, who could receive a grid penalty for crashing under yellow flags, who will start fourth.
Despite winning three races this season, Gresini’s Enea Bastianini crashed out of qualifying for a second straight grand prix, starting 17th in the race.
Due to Alex Rins’ withdrawal from the Catalan MotoGP earlier this month, Suzuki will have only 2020 champion Joan Mir competing on Sunday.
Rins had been given the green light by doctors to race at the Sachsenring, but he opted not to race in Saturday’s final session, his team said in a statement.
Marc Marquez, the six-time MotoGP champion, has won the past eight races at the Sachsenring, but with the Honda rider absent due to further surgery on his right arm, a new winner will be crowned on Sunday.
