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Di Giannantonio Claims Back-to-Back Poles with COTA Lap Record

Fabio Di Giannantonio secured his second consecutive pole position by setting a blistering new lap record at the Circuit of the Americas. Championship leader Marco Bezzecchi qualified second but received a two-place grid penalty, promoting Pedro Acosta to the front row. The session was filled with drama, including incidents involving Marc Marquez, who will start a disappointing sixth. Joan Mir impressed by briefly leading the times before ultimately qualifying fifth.

Key Points: Di Giannantonio Takes Pole at US GP, Beats Bezzecchi

  • Di Giannantonio sets new lap record
  • Bezzecchi gets grid penalty
  • Acosta qualifies third
  • Marc Marquez starts P6 after incident
3 min read

Di Giannantonio beats Bezzecchi for back-to-back poles

Fabio Di Giannantonio sets a new lap record for pole at the US GP. Bezzecchi penalized, Acosta third. Marc Marquez qualifies P6 after dramatic session.

"Di Giannantonio shot across the line and took it. - MotoGP Release"

Texas, March 29

Fabio Di Giannantonio set a new lap record of 2:00.136 to take pole position at the US GP, making it back-to-back poles for the first time in his career to follow up his Brazilian GP glory in style.

Championship leader Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) took second before being given a two-place grid penalty for Sunday's GP, with Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) in third at the conclusion of a dramatic session, according to a release. One notable name missing from that front row is eight-time COTA polesitter Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team), as the #93 had an adventurous session and starts P6 in Texas.

After the first runs, there was a stunning new lap record leading the way - and from Q1-graduate Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol). There was also some drama as Marc Marquez got close to the rear of a slower Bezzecchi, and the incident was investigated. He was able to avoid the Aprilia, then also had to pull up to avoid Luca Marini (Honda HRC Castrol), which was also investigated. The incidents weren't over for the #93 yet either.

Mir led the way then, but once the mad rush for the top began in earnest on the second runs, red sectors flooded the timing screens. But as each rider got further through their laps, the threats to Mir's time at the top were whittled down to only a few riders - and the #36 was only pushed down to fifth.

First, Bezzecchi took over on provisional pole with a couple of minutes to go, before Di Giannantonio shot across the line and took it. Acosta then slotted into third, not quite able to threaten, with Mir sitting fourth as one rider remained to set their final fast lap: Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team).

Bagnaia didn't manage to quite challenge the front row, but the #63 takes fourth ahead of Mir - leaving Marc Marquez down in sixth. The #93 bailed out of his final fast lap after an incident with Enea Bastianini (Red Bull KTM Tech3) as the #23 was forced to avoid him.

Behind those front two rows, Jorge Martin (Aprilia Racing) qualified P7 after topping FP2, looking for more when the lights go out after an impressive Brazilian GP, with Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) alongside him in P8. Marini takes P9 to complete Row 3, but he also has a two-place penalty for Sunday. Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) completed the top ten after moving through

Ai Ogura (Trackhouse MotoGP Team), after ending Friday half a tenth off Marc Marquez, had a tougher start to Saturday with two crashes in FP2 and then qualified P11. Bastianini completes the top 12 after the late incident with Marc Marquez.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
So much drama in one session! Marquez had a very adventurous time. It's surprising not to see him on the front row at COTA. Bezzecchi's penalty shakes things up for the race tomorrow.
R
Rohit P
As an Indian fan, I love seeing new winners and pole-sitters. It keeps the sport exciting. Di Giannantonio is on a roll! Hope the race is just as thrilling. The late incidents were a bit messy though.
S
Sarah B
Respectfully, the article focuses a lot on Marquez's drama, but the real story is Di Giannantonio's incredible performance. He deserves the main headline, not just being a follow-up to someone else's bad day.
K
Karthik V
Acosta in third again! This rookie is something special. The future of MotoGP is in good hands. Mir coming from Q1 to P5 is also a great effort. Can't wait for the race!
M
Michael C
The penalties for Bezzecchi and Marini will make the start chaotic. Strategy will be key tomorrow. Di Giannantonio has a golden chance to convert this pole into a win.

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