MotoGP World Champion Marc Marquez equalled the 12 poles in a season record currently held by ex-Honda men Mick Doohan and Casey Stoner when he bagged top spot in today’s Phillip Island qualifying session.

The Repsol man edged out Britain’s Cal Crutchlow and former champion Jorge Lorenzo this morning in a session that was threatened by rain as drops fell with five minutes of qualifying one left to run.

“Before the qualifying practice there some couple of waters and it was a little bit scary because here with the slick tyres I have experience. With the fast corners it was scary but just when we go out it stopped rain and was enough to be like normal conditions,” said Marquez, speaking at Phillip Island.

“Always, of course, you feel some pressure but this weekend riding the bike and everything I feel much better. I do feel more tired, I don’t know if that’s because my body has just cooled down. Tomorrow, I don’t have nothing to lose, just enjoy the race and fight for the victory.

“It is so nice to equal Casey Stoner and Mick Doohan here in their home as they re really, really strong riders.”

Stoner set his pole record in 2011 while 500cc-era hero Doohan managed his in 1997, right in the middle of his domination.

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