P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Pecco Bagnaia produced an epic performance in Malaysian Grand Prix qualifying to come through from Q1 and take his third MotoGP pole of 2025
Pecco Bagnaia secured a remarkable third MotoGP pole position of the 2025 season, bouncing back from a rough patch in Indonesia and Australia with a brilliant performance in Malaysian Grand Prix qualifying.
Despite facing challenges in previous races, Bagnaia displayed competitive form throughout Malaysia practice, leading him to believe that his appearance in Q1 was merely a result of a lackluster Friday rather than a sign of falling behind.
After advancing from Q1 in second place, Bagnaia capitalized on his final soft tire set to deliver a stunning 1m57.001s lap in Q2, claiming pole position.
Fabio Quartararo, aiming to give Yamaha a consecutive pole, saw his efforts hampered in the final sector, resulting in a fourth-place grid position behind A. Marquez and Morbidelli.
The Sepang MotoGP grid saw an order of Bagnaia, A. Marquez, and Morbidelli in the top three positions, setting the stage for an exciting race day.
Notably, Honda’s performance was showcased by Joan Mir in seventh and Johann Zarco in ninth, while Maverick Vinales’ substitute, Pol Espargaro, secured the 12th spot on the grid.
