(MENAFN- The Peninsula) French rider Alexis Masbou (pictured) claimed the first Moto3 pole position of his career, as well as the 2015 season, when he topped a field of 34 riders at the Losail International Circuit here last night.
The first Moto3 qualifying session of the season did not disappoint with three-tenths of a second separating first and 10th place.
In an incredible final 10 minutes, as riders took advantage of fresh tyres, the lead was constantly being swapped.
Most teams used "formation riding", where team-mates lap in groups around the circuit to allow them to take advantage of each other's slipstream to set faster times.
It almost seemed like a race as riders chopped and changed position out on track trying to take advantage of the racing line.
Masbou, riding a Honda bike, finished with a time of 2'06.170 ahead of the Husqvarna Factory Laglisse of Isaac Vinales (+0.067s), with Niccolo Antonelli (+0.075s) completing the front row on his Oncetta-Rivacold Honda.
Francesco Bagnaia (+0.083s) was the leading Mahindra in fourth, in front of Masbou's team-mate, Scottish Rider John McPhee (+0.084s), in fifth.
The man who set the fastest time in practice, Leopard Racing's Danny Kent (+0.256s) will start from the third row in ninth spot.
The Moto3 race will start at Losail International Circuit at 6pm.
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