Australian MotoGP: Martin scorches to new lap record and pole
The HinduSpain’s Jorge Martin will start on pole for the Australian MotoGP after blasting to a new lap record in qualifying on Saturday, with world championship rival Francesco Bagnaia third on the grid. READ | US Grand Prix: Leclerc on pole in Austin as Verstappen has lap deleted Only 18 points separate Ducati’s Bagnaia and Martin after the Italian snatched back the world title lead when his rival crashed out of the Indonesia grand prix last week. After the field pitted for new rear tyres, Martin returned to blast a new lap record of 1:27.246, smashing the one he set last year on his way to pole, with Binder ending 0.416 adrift. Last year’s race winner Alex Rins withdrew ahead of qualifying due to pain from the leg fractures he sustained in Italy four months ago.