Alma Pramac Racing starts the 2018 MotoGP season in a fantastic way with Danilo Petrucci in front row and Jack Miller’s precious Top 10 after an impressive Q1.
At the Losail International Circuit Danilo Petrucci continues to be very fast and after Friday’s P2 he conquers a stunning third place in qualifying, winning the first “front row” of the season and the fourth in his career. Petrux is incisive since the FP3 affected by strong wind. The FP4 race pace is excellent and in the second time attack of Q2 the Italian rider pushes hard ending up in P3, only 5 thousandths of a second from the second place of Marquez and 2 tenths of a second behind Zarco’s pole position.
After some difficulties encountered on Friday, Miller starts Saturday’s qualifying with confidence and is second at the end of the FP3. Jack is so impressive in Q1 as he beats Vinales to gain the first place. In Q2 the Australian rider doesn’t manage to find the ideal conditions to make an other great job, but still takes a positive 10th place just 110 thousandths from the second row of Alex Rins.
3rd – Danilo Petrucci 1’53.887
“It’s the best way to start the season, also because the first laps will be very important tomorrow. I think there will be a lot of riders who want to gain positions. That’s why it will be crucial to start well and avoid the bagarre. There will be many of us who will be fighting for the podium but I have a lot of confidence. The pace is good, the feeling is excellent. I’m ready for this great Sunday”.
10th – Jack Miller 1’54.449
“We started well in the FP3s when conditions were harder than on Friday due to the wind and sand on the circuit. In Q1 the bike was perfect and the tyres responded very well too and I managed to do a great time attack. I didn’t have many tyres to use in Q2 and had to get on track with medium rear. No problem: I’m confidente for the race!”