AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Rookie Marc Marquez of Spain earned his first career pole position at the MotoGP of the Americas, setting up the 20-year-old to become the youngest winner at motorcycle racing’s highest level.
Marquez, who consistently had the fastest times through the practice sessions, posted a qualifying time of 2 minutes, 3.021 seconds after taking a spill earlier in the day. Marquez’ Honda teammate Dani Pedrosa was second at 2:03.275.
Defending world champion Jorge Lorenzo of Yamaha was third at 2:04.100. Lorenzo won the season-opening race at Qatar.
Marquez has been tabbed as a rapidly rising star after winning the Moto2 championship last season. He was third at Qatar to finish on the podium in his first race and is now the youngest rider to earn a pole position in MotoGP.
