MotoGP Malaysia 2024: Pre-Qualifying Results & Analysis
The Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia is ready for another exciting MotoGP weekend, and the action has already begun with the Pre-Qualifying session. This session determines which riders will participate in the Qualifying 1 (Q1) session, setting the stage for the battle for pole position. Let's delve into the results and what they mean for the main event.
The Fight for Q1 Entry: Pre-Qualifying Standings
Top 14 riders secured their place in Q1:
- Luca Marini (Ducati Lenovo Team)
- Miguel Oliveira (Aprilia Racing)
- Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team)
- Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing)
- Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP)
- Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing)
- Fabio Di Giannantonio (Gresini Racing MotoGP)
- Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing)
- Franco Morbidelli (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP)
- Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team)
- Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing)
- Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing)
- Augusto Fernandez (GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3)
- Pol Espargaro (GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3)
Riders failing to qualify for Q1:
- Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu)
- Raul Fernandez (RNF MotoGP Team)
- Iker Lecuona (Tech3 GASGAS Factory Racing)
- Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP)
- Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team)
- Alex Rins (LCR Honda Castrol)
- Joan Mir (Repsol Honda Team)
- Michele Pirro (Ducati Lenovo Team)
Key Takeaways from Pre-Qualifying:
- The Aprilia's resurgence: Miguel Oliveira and Maverick Viñales secured strong positions in the Pre-Qualifying, showcasing the Aprilia's potential for a strong weekend.
- Tough times for Honda: Unfortunately, the Repsol Honda Team and LCR Honda riders struggled in this session. Both Marc Marquez and Alex Rins face a tough uphill battle for a good starting position.
- The Ducati's dominance: The Pre-Qualifying results confirm the Ducati's strong form. Luca Marini and Marco Bezzecchi are primed for a strong showing in Q1.
What to Expect in Qualifying:
The Qualifying session promises to be intensely competitive, with a plethora of riders vying for a front-row start.
- The battle for pole: Keep an eye on Luca Marini and Jorge Martin, who showed strong pace in Pre-Qualifying.
- Can the Aprilia make a statement? Oliveira and Viñales will be looking to capitalize on their strong performance and challenge for the top spots.
- A fight for survival: Riders who failed to qualify for Q1 will need to push hard in Qualifying 1 to avoid starting from the back of the grid.
This is just the beginning of the MotoGP Malaysia 2024 weekend. The qualifying session will determine the starting order, setting the scene for an exciting and unpredictable race on Sunday.
Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as the weekend progresses!