Monterey, 20 July: LCR Honda’s Stefan Bradl claimed a sensational first pole position at the roller-coaster Laguna Seca circuit today, and in doing so became the first German ever to achieve the feat in the premier class of MotoGP. The Moto2 World Champion will start from top spot on the grid for tomorrow’s 32-lap race after setting the fastest time in qualifying (1’21.176), and will share the front row with Marquez and Bautista.

Stefan: “It’s an unbelievable sensation! My first pole position in the premier class at this spectacular circuit, and I am now the first German rider to do this in MotoGP history. I could not ask for more! We knew that we had a good pace all weekend, but this result is yet another step forward for me and the LCR Honda Team. I am really happy with the bike set-up just like in Germany, and I want to thank my team for the job they have done. We didn’t actually make any specific changes to the bike; we just adjusted some small things ahead of qualifying and my pace was immediately fast. We had a small problem when I had to come into the garage to change the tyre because we had lost half a second, but once I was back out again the track was clear in front of me and I could go for my perfect lap!”