Aleix Espargaro grabs British GP pole with record lap

Posted : 03 August 2024

Aleix Espargaro of Aprilia Racing made a memorable return to Silverstone by securing pole position in Saturday's qualifying session for the British Grand Prix. The Spanish rider achieved this feat with a record-setting lap time, outpacing his competitors and showcasing his exceptional skill. On the front row alongside Espargaro are Ducati's Francesco 'Pecco' Bagnaia and Enea Bastianini, who finished second and third respectively.

Defending world champion Francesco Bagnaia had initially set a record lap time of 1:57.517, but this was soon surpassed by Espargaro, who clocked an impressive 1:57.309. Last year, Espargaro claimed victory at Silverstone from 12th on the grid, edging out Bagnaia on the final lap. This qualifying session mirrored that dramatic performance, albeit with less on the line.

Espargaro's impressive pole position comes after strong performances in Friday's practice sessions. This achievement marks his second pole position of the year, following his success in Barcelona. His return to Silverstone was celebrated with enthusiasm as he punched the air in triumph and shared the moment with his family.

During the session, Espargaro’s teammate Maverick Vinales crashed out on turn two, causing a yellow flag and ending the session early. Reflecting on his record lap, Espargaro expressed his astonishment, saying it was one of the best laps he has ever ridden. Despite the challenging cold conditions and a soft front tire, he was thrilled with the result.

Bagnaia, who finished second, was initially frustrated by an issue with a sponsor's sticker on his visor, which affected his visibility. He acknowledged that while he had potential for pole position, the distraction hindered his performance. Bagnaia expressed dissatisfaction with the current qualifying practices and the use of rider towing, calling for changes to improve the situation.

Jorge Martin of Prima Pramac Racing, currently second in the championship, struggled in qualifying after a strong performance in Friday’s practice. He will start the sprint from the front row for the first time in four races, followed by Alex Marquez and Brad Binder. Marc Marquez, who had a challenging session, will start from seventh due to issues during qualifying.

Vinales, despite his crash, will start from eighth place on the grid. The final grid positions for the upcoming race reflect a mix of challenges and strategic positioning, setting the stage for an exciting British Grand Prix.

Aleix Espargaro grabs British GP pole with record lap

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