MotoGP News
Date:
21/July/2013
Stefan Bradl responded to speculation over his MotoGP future
in perfect fashion by claiming a first pole at Laguna Seca.
Bradl signed a contract directly with Honda after an
impressive debut 2012 season at LCR, where it was expected he would remain for
next year.
However Honda are yet to take up their option on Bradl and
recent reports have linked Cal Crutchlow, the top rider currently unsigned,
with the LCR ride.
Former Moto2 champion Bradl, 23, is under pressure from
Honda to deliver the debut podium expected from him this season. That is yet to
happen, but he led his home round last Sunday in Germany and has been a
frontrunner throughout the US GP weekend.
Bradl seized pole by just 0.017s from World Championship
leader Marc Marquez, who crashed from his Repsol Honda in the closing minutes
of the session.
“It’s an unbelievable sensation!” said Bradl. “My first pole
position in the premier class at this spectacular circuit, and I am now the
first German rider to do this in MotoGP history. I could not ask for more!
“We knew that we had a good pace all weekend, but this
result is yet another step forward for me and the LCR Honda Team.
“For sure it was very close, just a few hundredths faster
than Marc, but it’s a good feeling for me. I expected a front row, so pole is
even better.
“I will try so hard to stay in the top tomorrow. I think we
have a good package, I’m comfortable with the bike and everything is looking
good.”
Gresini’s Alvaro Bautista will complete an all-Honda front
row, with Valentino Rossi the top Yamaha in fourth. Crutchlow could only
manager fifth after bike problems.
Marquez’s injured title rivals Jorge Lorenzo and Dani
Pedrosa will line-up sixth and seventh. Barring another mistake from Marquez,
the pair look set to lose further points to the 20-year-old in Sunday’s 32-lap
grand prix, the last event before the summer break.
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