Dovizioso on pole for Motul Grand Prix of Japan

Andrea Dovizioso and his Ducati Team both secured their first pole positions since 2010 at the Motul Grand Prix of Japan.

The weekend started well for the Italian rider, who was able to set solid and competitive times on both the soft and medium compound tires. The confidence from this carried over to Q2.

Qualifying started with Dovizioso attempting to get a tow from Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda), but the Championship leader ran on. Dovizioso then went about his first run on his own setting a solid banker time and coming in for a new set of soft tires.

Dovizioso's second run saw him set a 1'44.502s, a new lap record at the Twin Ring Motegi circuit. Dani Pedrosa (Repsol Honda) looked like he would be able to challenge for pole position, but crashed at the penultimate corner.

This is Dovizioso's second MotoGP pole, the previous coming in 2010 at the Japanese Grand Prix. Ducati also return to pole position for the first time since 2010 at Valencia when Casey Stoner last rode the bike.

"We made a good job from FP1 to now, we're closer now. We're thinking about the podium but first thank you to the team. The first run was very important as it told me how much I could push on the second tire. We improved a few tenths each practice and it's a great feeling to have the pole position," reflected an excited Dovizioso.

He added, "The pole is always special and I've never been able to get many. It's such a great result for us as we've struggled so much. We've worked really hard over the last few years. I like this track a lot and I'm good on the brakes so this helps a lot here. I think we can challenge for the podium tomorrow."

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