Synopsis
Marc Marquez clinched pole position at the 2025 Argentina Grand Prix with a record-breaking time of 1:36.917. This marks his first consecutive poles since 2019, showcasing exceptional talent and setting a new standard at the Termas de Rio Hondo circuit.Key Takeaways
- Marc Marquez sets a new lap record of 1:36.917.
- Back-to-back poles for the first time since 2019.
- Alex Marquez and Johann Zarco follow closely in the standings.
- Franco Morbidelli and Joan Mir also performed well, securing spots in the pole shootout.
- Exciting competition is anticipated for the main race.
Buenos Aires (Argentina), March 15 (NationPress) Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) has achieved back-to-back poles for the first time since 2019, showcasing another remarkable performance at the Gran Premio YPF Energia de Argentina. His lap time of 1:36.917 marks the first-ever 1:36 at this venue, setting a new lap record and placing him a quarter of a second ahead of the competition.
Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) follows closely in second place, while Johann Zarco (Castrol Honda LCR) delivers a stellar performance in third, marking Honda's first front row since 2023, just 0.042 seconds behind the #73.
A strong early lap helped Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) secure a top position, with Jack Miller (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP) in close pursuit for provisional P2. However, the final four minutes of qualifying turned dramatic as everyone rushed to secure their places in Q2.
Somkiat Chantra (Idemitsu Honda LCR) faced a setback at Turn 2, falling and missing the opportunity to improve, while Ai Ogura (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) mirrored his fellow rookie's fate shortly after. On his second run, Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol) surged into P2, pushing rival Miller to P3 and joining Morbidelli in the pole shootout.
Marc on fire
As qualifying reached its climax, Q1 ignited with Marc Marquez shattering the lap record, almost achieving the first-ever 1:36 motorcycle lap at the Termas de Rio Hondo circuit. A brilliant performance by Johann Zarco put him in the front row provisionally, marking a significant moment for Honda since 2023 at Mugello.
With the final five minutes approaching, competitors pushed to improve their lap times. Alex Marquez closely followed his brother, while Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) managed to secure P4.
Yet it was his teammate Marquez who dominated the timing screens; on his second-last flying lap, he set the only 1:36 lap of the Termas de Rio Hondo track. His time of 1:36.917 secured him pole position, marking his first consecutive poles since the 2019 Austrian and British Grands Prix. Brother Alex clinched P2, while Zarco maintained Honda's front row position, his first since the 2023 season-ending Grand Prix in Valencia.
Dark horses in top places
Pecco aimed for a strong start from fourth place, but he would have to contend with Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), who positioned himself among the leaders.
Completing the second row was Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team), who was less than a tenth of a second shy of the front row.
Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) achieved his best qualifying result of the season so far in P7, finishing ahead of Q1 standout Morbidelli. Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) qualified P9, just ahead of Mir, with the 2020 World Champion ensuring two Hondas in the top ten.
Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) and Alex Rins (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) completed the Q2 lineup, with Rins achieving his best grid position since Sepang last year.
