Daniel Holgado (CFMOTO RCB Aspar Team) will start the Moto2 Malaysian GP from pole position after setting a late, scintillating new lap record to head the field by over half a second. The rookie’s sublime 2:02.858 was by far the best lap of a mouthwatering Q2 that saw the tension between title contenders Manuel Gonzalez (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) and Diogo Moreira (Italtrans Racing Team) ramp up as they diced on track.
In the early stages, Moreira overtook Gonzalez at Turn 1 as the time attacks began. That shoved the Spaniard slightly wide and ruined his opening lap, so the championship leader then lunged up the inside of the Brazilian at Turn 2 to return the favour. By the end of the session, Gonzalez was P7 but Moreira may rue the adventures as he’ll start P16 after a mistake on his last flying lap.
- The second row is Albert Arenas (ITALJET Gresini Moto2), Catalan GP podium finisher Daniel Muñoz (Red Bull KTM Ajo) and last weekend’s second place finisher David Alonso (CFMOTO RCB Aspar Team)
- Holgado is out to wrap up Rookie of the Year and his closest competitor is teammate Alonso
- Aron Canet (Fantic Racing), third overall, starts P8 ahead of BLU CRU Pramac Yamaha Moto2’s Tony Arbolino
