Which Riders Go To Q2 Of MotoGP In Japan And Which Go To Q1

9 months ago By Walter Thompson

The Motul Grand Prix of Japan is in full swing, and the anticipation is building as riders take to the iconic Motegi circuit. One of the critical moments in the lead-up to the main race is the qualification rounds, specifically Q1 and Q2. These sessions determine the starting grid for the Grand Prix and play a crucial role in a rider’s performance. In this article, we’ll delve into which riders have secured their place in Q2 and who will have to battle it out in Q1 for a chance to join the elite group.

Q2: Where the Fastest Compete

Q2 is the ultimate goal for all MotoGP riders. It’s where the fastest and most competitive riders get the chance to showcase their skills and vie for the pole position. These riders have demonstrated their speed and consistency during practice sessions and earned a direct entry into Q2. Let’s take a look at some of the riders who have successfully secured their spot in Q2 for the Motegi race:

Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing): Brad Binder’s record-breaking triumph during Thursday’s practice day not only earned him the top spot but also a direct ticket to Q2. His impressive lap time of 1m43.489s left everyone in awe and set the bar high for the competition.
Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing): Aleix Espargaro’s consistent performance during practice sessions propelled him into Q2. With a lap time of 1m44.387s, he proved that Aprilia has the pace to challenge the frontrunners.
Jorge Martin (Pramac Racing): Jorge Martin, a title contender, showcased his competitiveness by securing the fourth fastest time in practice. His lap time of 1m43.843s ensures his presence in Q2, where he will aim to gain an advantage in the championship battle.
Fabio Di Giannantonio (Gresini Racing): Fabio Di Giannantonio surprised everyone with a strong performance during practice. His impressive lap time of 1m43.947s secured him a rare Q2 appearance, highlighting his potential in the highly competitive MotoGP field.

Q1: The Battle for Q2 Entry

For riders who couldn’t secure a direct spot in Q2, there’s Q1, which presents a second chance to make it to the elite session. Q1 is a fierce battle where riders compete for the top positions to advance to Q2. The competition is intense, and only the fastest will earn their place among the elite. Let’s take a look at some of the riders who will be fighting it out in Q1:

Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha): Former champion Fabio Quartararo faced a challenging practice day that left him outside the top 10. He will now have to navigate through Q1 to secure a spot in Q2. The French rider is determined to regain his form and contend for the pole position.
Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team): Marc Marquez, known for his incredible skills, also faced difficulties during practice. He suffered a crash and ended up in 14th place, far from his usual dominance. Marquez will have to give his best in Q1 to move on to Q2 and showcase his championship-winning potential.
Joan Mir (Team Suzuki Ecstar): Joan Mir, who showed top-five form in FP1, faced challenges in the afternoon session. He will join Quartararo and Marquez in Q1 as they strive to secure their spot in the elite session.
Miguel Oliveira (RNF Aprilia): Miguel Oliveira had moments of brilliance during practice but couldn’t secure a direct entry into Q2. He will be among the contenders in Q1, aiming to outpace the competition and earn a place in the top session.

Conclusion:

The qualification rounds, Q1 and Q2, are pivotal moments in the lead-up to the Motul Grand Prix of Japan. Q2 is where the fastest and most competitive riders showcase their skills, while Q1 presents a second chance for those who need to prove their worth. With riders like Brad Binder, Aleix Espargaro, Jorge Martin, and Fabio Di Giannantonio securing their spots in Q2, the battle for pole position promises to be intense. Meanwhile, riders like Fabio Quartararo, Marc Marquez, Joan Mir, and Miguel Oliveira will fight fiercely in Q1 for a chance to join the elite group. As the anticipation builds, fans can expect nothing short of thrilling action at the iconic Motegi circuit. Stay tuned for the qualifying sessions and witness the riders’ determination to secure the best starting positions for the Japanese GP.