Miguel Oliveira just missed out on a second consecutive pole position on the last lap of qualifying for the Japanese GP. The Red Bull KTM Ajo rider dominated the second half of the session, but on a last lap with many changes in position, he was relegated in fifth on the starting grid for tomorrow’s race. For the first time this weekend, the Moto2 rider was able to run slicks.
Whilst there was no intense rain, FP3 was another session on a completely wet track for the intermediate class. The conditions were not favorable for lower times from Friday, and the portuguese rider was around 1 second off his best FP2 laps; Oliveira finished eighth -2:06.892-.
Qualifying was a session of two halves. In the first stint, the Moto2 rider went out on wet tyres, and Miguel Oliveira was inside the Top 10. After a pit stop and a change to slicks, Oliveira was able to adapt quickly to the switch and set the pace at the head of the timesheets until the end of the session. Only on the last lap did he vacate the spot, overtaken by four riders to finish fifth with a best time of 1:54.289.
The Moto2 race will be held at 12.20pm local time (4.20am portuguese time). Miguel Oliveira will look for his second consecutive podium at a circuit where he has already finished inside the Top 3.
Results (Qualifying Session)
1. Takaaki Nakagami (Kalex) 1:53.776
2. Alex Marquez (Kalex) 1:53.904 +0.128
3. Xavi Vierge (Tech3) 1:54.046 +0.270
4. Mattia Pasini (Kalex) 1:54.139 +0.363
5. Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 1:54.289 +0.513
