Jorge Navarro was the man to beat during Moto2 World qualifying Saturday at Sepang, in Malaysia. The Spaniard rider topped qualifying session with a new lap record time. Riding his American Racing Team Kalex, Navarro navigated the 3.44-mile (5.54 km) course in 2:04.412, breaking Brad Binder’s 2019 All-Time Lap Record of 2:04.769.
His teammate, Marcos Ramirez was second-best with a 2:04.475.
Celestino Vietti claimed the third and final spot on the front row with a 2:04.559 on his Red Bull KTM Ajo Kalex.
QualifyingResults moto2 sepang
More, from a press release issued by Dorna:
Navarro captures pole from Ramirez in a thrilling Q2 at Sepang. Jorge Navarro will start the Malaysian GP from pole position, qualifying alongside Ramirez and Vietti.
Jorge Navarro (OnlyFans American Racing Team) has charged to pole position at the Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia, setting a 2:04.412. The #9 rider delivered a stunning performance on Saturday, taking P1 on his final run and clinching his first pole since 2019 as he continues to step in as a substitute rider for the injured Joe Roberts. Navarro will spearhead the field on Sunday, starting alongside teammate Marcos Ramirez, who completed an incredible day for the OnlyFans American Racing Team. Ramirez looked strong at the start of Q2, setting a strong early lap to secure P2 on the grid. The #24 ended the session ahead of Celestino Vietti (Red Bull KTM Ajo), who completed a talented front row.
Dream result for the American Racing Team
Practice 2 served up mixed conditions for the Moto2™ field, with spots of rain falling and Albert Arenas (Gresini Moto2™) setting the pace – clocking a strong 2:04.775. In Q1, it was Somkiat Chantra (IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia) who showed incredible form, placing P1 to gain a Q2 spot alongside Filip Salac (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team), Barry Baltus (RW-Idrofoglia Racing GP) and Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP’s Senna Agius.
It was a tense start to the session, with the Moto2™ field pushing to the limit in the opening stages as Ramirez set the early pace – clocking a strong 2:04.475. On the second run, all eyes were on Navarro, who found further time to leap to P1 and make it a provisional OnlyFans American Racing Team one-two. However, there was further drama in the closing minutes, with Jake Dixon (CFMOTO RCB Aspar Team) crashing in the closing stages as Navarro stormed to pole.
Ogura claims P7 in Q2
Arenas will start from fourth on the grid, with the #75 unable to improve on his final run – missing out on pole by 0.231s. Arenas looks strong at Sepang and will start alongside Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo), with the rookie proving to adapt quickly throughout the weekend. Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) completes the second row as an unpredictable Malaysian GP awaits.
Newly crowned World Champion Ai Ogura (MT Helmets – MSI) had a rock solid Q2, placing in seventh ahead of Manuel Gonzalez (Gresini Moto2™), with the Spaniard finding time from Saturday morning – securing eighth. Further back, Diogo Moreira (Italtrans Racing Team) rounded out the third row. Meanwhile, Dixon is left with work to do, finishing the session in P12 in front of Aron Canet (Fantic Racing), who will launch from P13 after the #44 pulled off an incredible save at the end of Q2.
The action does not stop at Sepang, with race day around the corner as the lights go out at 13:15 local time (UTC +8), so make sure you tune in and keep up to date with everything on motogp.com!