Suzuka international circuit

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing: Rookie rider Pedro Acosta of Red Bull GASGAS Tech3 powered to an incredible pole position at the Grand Prix of Japan, setting a new all-time lap record of 1:43.018 in the qualifying stage on Saturday.

The rookie sensation claimed P1 on the grid and now becomes the third youngest polesitter in the premier class. Acosta will start alongside Francesco Bagnaia (Team Ducati) in what could be a crucial day for the reigning World Champion after a phenomenal final run for rider #1. Bagnaia was a mere 0.246s adrift from Acosta and will be joined on the front row by Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing), starting from third.

Q1 was filled with drama, with spots of rain in the air and lap times improving into the final minute, allowing Franco Morbidelli (Prima Pramac Racing) and Fabio Quartararo (Yamaha MotoGP) to earn their spot in Q2. It was a frantic start to Q2, with rain falling, the premier class stars tried to bag a strong early lap. Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP) stole the top spot after the opening lap, with red sectors continuing to appear as the #93 improved ahead of Acosta. Things soon got better for the rookie, who soon improved further, claiming provisional pole after his first run.