MOTOGP: Lorenzo bests Rossi for Motegi pole

Jorge Lorenzo denied Yamaha teammate and title rival Valentino Rossi pole position for the Japanese MotoGP in a qualifying shootout.

Lorenzo maintained his perfect record of topping every session at Motegi this weekend, but had to secure his fourth pole position of the season after the chequered flag was shown. The two-time world champion set the pace from the outset, and became the first MotoGP rider to record a sub-1m44s lap at the circuit, with a 1m43.990s.

Entering the final minute, that was 0.232 seconds ahead of Rossi, but the Italian improved to a 1m43.871s after the chequered flag to take top spot by 0.119s. However, Rossi's advantage was fleeting, with Lorenzo improving to 1m43.790s moments later to snatch pole by just 0.081s.

Lorenzo's final run was completed after a change to the soft-compound option front tire.

Honda's Marc Marquez improved late but was still 0.426s behind Lorenzo. He will start third, ahead of Ducati pair Andrea Dovizioso and Andrea Iannone, Dani Pedrosa, Suzuki's Aleix Espargaro and Cal Crutchlow.

Bradley Smith will start ninth, despite crashing twice in the 15-minute session, once at Turn 5, then at Turn 12, to take his tally to three for the day.

Maverick Vinales and Scott Redding advanced from Q1 and will start 10th and 12th, while Honda wildcard Takumi Takahashi will line-up 15th for his MotoGP debut.

DE ANGELIS HOSPITALIZED

Alex de Angelis was taken to Dokkyo Hospital in Mibu after crashing heavily during the fourth practice session. The San Marino rider was reported to be conscious and breathing before being airlifted away for further examination and treatment.

Originally on Autosport.com