Escrig claims Moto2 Qatar pole with new Lusail record

Alex Escrig took his first Moto2 pole position at Lusail, setting a new circuit record of 1'55.241s under the floodlights. The Spaniard improved on his own earlier best with a strong final sector, moving clear of the field on his Klint Forward Racing machine after a frustrating FP2.

His Dynavolt Intact GP rival Manuel Gonzalez qualified second, 0.126s behind, leaving the championship battle close with just 3.5 points separating the pair. Izan Guevara had been in contention but was tripped up by Xabi Zurutuza on his final run and dropped to seventh.

Daniel Holgado was third for Aspar, ahead of Celestino Vietti in fourth, while Collin Veijer and Senna Agius completed the top six.