Marc Marquez takes first Ducati pole position at Spanish MotoGP in damp Jerez with stunning lap

Marc Marquez took pole position in qualifying for the 2024 Spanish GP with a stunning lap, taking his first pole position with Ducati and showing he has finally got to grips with his new bike.

The Spaniard clocked 1:46.773 at Jerez, then almost crashed at Turn 1 before pulling out a big front-end slide.

Marco Bezzecchi and championship leader Jorge Martin will join him on the front row, taking second and third in less than favourable conditions.

Heavy rain had hit the track overnight, meaning that qualifying for the Spanish MotoGP took place in damp and wet conditions.

Pedro Acosta had looked set to take pole position before crashing at the final turn with three minutes to go, with the 19-year-old set to start 10th.

KTM's Brad Binder rounded up the top four to take a spot in the second row, with the South African producing a huge effort after making it through the first qualifying session earlier in the morning.

Fabio Di Giannantonio, Alex Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia took fifth, sixth and seventh respectively.

The Aprilia riders struggled, with Maverick Vinales, who took the win at the Americas MotoGP, ending in 11th, and Aleix Espargaro coming in 12th.

Jack Miller was late out of the pits due to a technical problem, which was reportedly related to his chain.

The Australian didn't have time for a tyre change and will start at 15th on the grid.

Forecasts predict better weather for the sprint race later on Saturday.

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