Forward NGM’s Aleix Espargaro delayed his entry into today’s Assen MotoGP qualifying by 20 seconds so as not to get tangled up with a big pack of riders and it paid off as he bagged his first ever premier-class pole position.
The Spaniard was able to give himself a clear track with the soft-option tyre and set a time 1.4s faster than Marc Marquez as he could see if any of the leading riders ahead of him were having grip problems.
“My mechanics were getting the bike ready to go immediately but I saw all the riders go together so I thought it would be a disaster if I go with them. I wait 20 seconds then I go alone and it was perfect as it was like a race,” said Espargaro, speaking at the track.
“There was a big group, nobody can push and I had free track so I push at maximum, taking risks as the track was slippery and tricky but finally got a good lap.
“It was lucky as it continue raining and we for the first pole. I will prefer dry tomorrow as we have a really good pace and I enjoy riding this track. In the wet, I try the last five minutes in qualifying and it was the first time with the Marelli but was ok.”
