Rossi: I was “lucky” to qualify on the front row

The Italian legend will start third, behind Honda’s Marc Marquez and the Avintia Ducati of Hector Barbera.

“Yesterday we were struggling very much,” said Rossi. “Also about the settings, but especially about the temperature – we weren’t able to put the front tyre in right temperature, so the front tyre doesn’t work.

“But today, from this morning [in free practice] the situation improved a lot. I feel good with the bike, I feel good with the settings, but it’s a shame – I’m lucky to be here in the front row because unfortunately with the second tyre I was stuck in traffic, and I wasn’t able to improve. I had another two or three tenths [in me] but fortunately nobody was able to overtake me.

“So, starting from the front row, it’s very important for the race of tomorrow.”

Marquez delighted with pole

Championship leader Marquez scored his fourth pole of the season, but admitted that using Honda’s latest version of the RC213V frame has “confused” him in practice this morning.

“Honestly it wasn’t the best feeling with the bike of the weekend,” said Marquez. “But we made a small modification for the qualy and we improve a lot.

“We were trying the new chassis, and we got a little bit confused, but for the qualy we did the correct step.

“We will see about tomorrow, because the weather looks quite unstable. And it looks like Valentino will be really strong.”

Barbera thrilled with second spot

Avintia’s Barbera scored his best-ever MotoGP qualifying result, having held pole early in the session after towing along behind Marquez.

“This track is good for my bike,” said Barbera. “In Barcelona I changed many settings in the test, and it’s good this track has no chicanes, it’s good for my bike and style.

“Second place is incredible.”