For the first time in his Moto3™ career, Jeremy Alcoba (Indonesian Racing Gresini Moto3) will start from pole position after setting a new lap record in Q2 at the Motul TT Assen. The Spaniard’s 1:41.194 was 0.212s faster than second place Romano Fenati (Sterilgarda Max Racing Team), Dennis Foggia (Leopard Racing) completes the lightweight class front row.

Joining the automatic Q2 riders from Q1 were Jaume Masia (Red Bull KTM Ajo), Xavier Artigas (Leopard Racing), Lorenzo Fellon (SIC58 Squadra Corse) and Izan Guevara (Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team), as the second part of qualifying began with John McPhee (Petronas Sprinta Racing) setting the early benchmark – a 1:42.043.

Typically, the times would tumble. Niccolo Antonelli (Avintia Esponsorama Moto3) took over at the top, as fifth place Gabriel Rodrigo (Indonesian Racing Gresini Moto3) produced a world class save to stay on board at the rapid Turn 15 left-hander. Kaito Toba (CIP Green Power) then went P1 by just 0.004s over Alcoba, the latter then going quickest overall with a 1:41.808.

Sergio Garcia (Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team) then made his move to the top, his 1:41.473 was 0.335s faster than anyone, before Fenati struck to shoot up to first. However, latched onto the back of Foggia, Alcoba took the chequered flag and picked up his maiden Grand Prix pole position.  

Second in the World Championship Garcia will spearhead Row 2 ahead of Toba and Rodrigo, 0.340s splitting the front couple of rows at the Cathedral of Speed. Antonelli slipped to P7 after briefly holding P1 in qualifying, Darryn Binder (Petronas Sprinta Racing) and Artigas complete the third row, just over a tenth clear of Masia in P10.

After the last corner incident involving Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo), Riccardo Rossi (BOE Owlride), Stefano Nepa (BOE Owlride) and Ryusei Yamanaka (Carxpert PrüstelGP), Championship leader Acosta was ruled out for Q2 due to a thoracic trauma. Acosta will undergo further tests to see if he’s fit or unfit for Sunday’s race. Rossi and Nepa were also transferred to the hospital for further checks, all riders are conscious and will be hoping to take part in the Dutch TT on Sunday.

Qualifying is done and dusted in the lightweight class, now focus turns to race day. 11:00 local time (GMT+2) is when the lights go out for the Moto3™ encounter!

Top 10:
1. Jeremy Alcoba (Indonesian Racing Gresini Moto3) – 1:41.194
2. Romano Fenati (Sterilgarda Max Racing Team) + 0.212
3. Dennis Foggia (Leopard Racing) + 0.278
4. Sergio Garcia (Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team) + 0.279
5. Kaito Toba (CIP Green Power) + 0.285
6. Gabriel Rodrigo (Indonesian Racing Gresini Moto3) + 0.340
7. Niccolo Antonelli (Avintia Esponsorama Moto3) + 0.473
8. Darryn Binder (Petronas Sprinta Racing) + 0.561
9. Xavier Artigas (Leopard Racing) + 0.684
10. Jaume Masia (Red Bull KTM Ajo) + 0.809