Marquez blames practice tyre tactics

Poor practice times meant the Spaniard was forced into Q1 for only the second time since joining the premier class.

He then finished third in the first qualifying segment, trouble by poor rear grip, so missed the top 12 shootout for pole position.

"Starting in the morning, we didn't use the new tyre and that took us into Q1 -in which we had a problem that prevented us from progressing to Q2," said Marquez, who previous worst MotoGP starting position has been sixth places.

"We can't be happy about today, because this was the worst qualifying result that we have had in MotoGP."

Marquez also fell off his bike in the practice four session just before qualifying, forcing him onto the reserve Honda.

He remains bullish about his chances in the race despite starting on row three and having struggled to match the Ducatis and Yamahas through the Italian Grand Prix weekend so far.

"I think we have a good pace for tomorrow, although it is clear that starting from so far back we will suffer a lot," said Marquez.

"We will try to make a good start and opening few laps to get into the leading group."

His team-mate Dani Pedrosa qualified the other works Honda seventh.