Aron Canet took a surprise pole position for the Italian Moto2 at Mugello but may not get the chance to capitalise on it after suffering a painful crash in the minutes after setting the session-topping time.

In a season of ups and downs thus far, Canet - third overall in 2022 - looked to be back on the up when he made huge strides on his pace in Practice as he came across the line with a new lap record of 1m 50.706s.

Two tenths faster the existing marker, set just hours earlier by Pedro Acosta, it was enough to assure Canet pole position by a comfortable 0.2s margin over his fellow Spaniard.

However, there is a concern he won't be able to take the spot up after crashing heavily towards the end of the session. Destroying his Pons Wegow Los40 bike in the process, though Canet was up on his haunches, he could be seen clutching his hand or wrist, seemingly in substantial pain.

If he does get to the start line, Canet will be joined on the front row by Acosta and Sam Lowes, the Briton flying the flag for Marc VDS after championship leading team-mate Tony Arbolino could only manage ninth.

Joe Roberts made the most of the extra track time from coming through Q1 to score a vastly improved fourth on the grid aboard the Italtrans bike, ahead of Filip Salac and Jake Dixon, the GasGas Aspar rider making it two Brits inside the top six.

Lowes and Dixon will be the only British riders represented come race day after Rory Skinner was ruled out through injury.

Italian Moto2, Mugello | Qualifying Results

Saturday | Conditions - Dry, Overcast, Warm