Valentino Rossi (C) celebrates pole position with his staff at end of qualification session for Italian MotoGP Grand Prix at the racetrack in Mugello on May 21, 2016. PHOTO: AFP
The 37-year-old will line up in the first row with Spaniard Maverick Vinales (Suzuki) and fellow Italian Andrea Iannone (Ducati). It was a return to pole for Rossi in Italy for the first time since 2008, when he achieved his last victory on the Tuscan circuit.
“Here it’s crucial to start on the front row and the atmosphere generated by this entire crowd is always fantastic,” said Rossi.
Masterful Rossi wins Spanish Grand Prix
It will be the Yamaha rider’s 53rd pole in MotoGP and 63rd of his career, the same as his teammate Jorge Lorenzo, winner of the French Grand Prix, who starts from the second row.
Spaniard Lorenzo, the championship leader, will start behind compatriot Vinales, who as at the Qatar MotoGP will again start on the front row.
On track: Rossi takes season’s first pole in Jerez
Spaniard Marc Marquez, second in the championship, five points behind Lorenzo, clocked the fourth fastest time and will start just behind the Italian.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 22nd, 2016.
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