Petronas SRT’s John McPhee avoided Mugello’s Moto3 antics and late-session drama to secure a third row start for Sunday’s ItalianGP. 

Utilising the entirety of the morning’s FP3 session to fine-tune his set-up and work on used tyre pace before improving on his Friday times, McPhee’s 1’56.816 provided direct entry into Q2. The Scot setting the 10th fastest time overall, despite a solitary run.

With Moto3 tactics once again in full swing, the Petronas rider opted to head out alone as qualifying unfolded. Delivering a 1’57.152 lap - before the red flags were brought out due to a three rider collision at turn nine - McPhee will start tomorrow’s race from the edge of the third row, in ninth position.

“First of all I just want to say that I hope everyone is okay, as that was a big incident today. 

“For us it has been quite a productive day and I’m happy with my pace, especially on the used tyre and when riding alone. 

“In FP3 we did a good job, getting the lap times done alone on track. Then in Qualifying we tried to find a good track position, to try and get in a slipstream because we know it can be important here. There seemed to be some strange tactics going on and we were a little unsure, so I ended up going out and being completely on my own. 

“I did three laps, which were all respectable and we ended up getting a place on the third row. This is fine for Mugello, as we know it’s going to be a big group race tomorrow. I’m feeling ready and excited for it.”