The reigning world champion, the other Frenchman Fabio Quartararo (Yamaha), will start from the 2nd row in 5th position, the Spaniard Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia) completing the first row with the 3rd time.

MotoGP therefore continues its tradition of unexpected results.

If this is the 7th pole of Zarco's career in MotoGP, it is not necessarily him who was expected as the best Ducati rider this weekend.

"I'm really surprised to have been so competitive during qualifying," he admitted after making the most of the dry track when free practice took place on a wet track on Friday and Saturday.

"It was difficult conditions with puddles and we were wondering which tires to use in the last practice session. We were finally able to use the dry tires for qualifying and it worked very well," he said. added.

Frenchman Johann Zarco, on the handlebars of his Ducati-Pramac, author of the pole position of the MotoGP Grand Prix of Portugal, on April 23, 2022 on the Algarve International Circuit in Portimao PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA AFP

Of the three races contested in Portimao in MotoGP, it is always the rider who started on pole on Saturday who wins on Sunday, a statistic in principle favorable to a first victory for the 31-year-old Frenchman in MotoGP after two world titles in Moto2 ( 2015 and 2016).

But he remains cautious: "Pole position on Saturday does not necessarily mean victory on Sunday. But it helps to build confidence. It's good to be in the leading group and not to have too many drivers to overtake", he underlines.

The leader of the world championship after four races, the Italian Enea Bastianini (Ducati-Gresini), completely missed his qualifications and will start in 18th position on Sunday for the race.

Quartararo "very happy"

Quartararo considered himself "very happy", specifying that "we have found improvements", while regretting not having been able to complete a faster last lap due to the yellow flags displayed after the fall of another competitor.

"The first five really have the potential to be on the podium tomorrow (Sunday)", he judged, while considering that the chances of other pilots like the six-time champion should not be underestimated either. of the Spanish world Marc Marquez.

Frenchman Fabio Quartararo, riding his Yamaha, during the 2nd practice session of the MotoGP Grand Prix of Portugal, April 23, 2022 on the Algarve International Circuit in Portimao GABRIEL BOUYS AFP

The tricky conditions hurt several favourites.

Besides Bastianini who crashed in the first part of qualifying, another Italian, Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati), also crashed heavily in Q1.

Transported to the medical center of the circuit, however, no fracture was detected but he was transported to a nearby hospital for further examinations.

Mark unlucky

Marc Marquez (Honda) was in contention for an excellent time but his fastest lap was canceled due to a crash by his teammate and compatriot Pol Espargaro in the final minutes of the session.

He finally ranks 9th, just ahead of Pol Espargaro.

Spaniard Marc Marquez, riding his Honda, during the 3rd practice session of the MotoGP Grand Prix of Portugal, April 23, 2022 at the Algarve International Circuit in Portimao GABRIEL BOUYS AFP

During one of the morning practice sessions, Marquez crashed again, landing on his head.

Victim of numerous accidents in recent months, he has already been forced to miss two Grands Prix this year due to vision problems.

The relative disappointment comes from stage local Miguel Oliveira (KTM) who had been very quick during practice but only achieved the 11th time in the end.

"I don't think the starting grid is a good indication of tomorrow's race result...because of me!" he said.

In Moto2, the Spaniard Aron Canet (Kalex) will start in the lead.

In Moto3, it is the Turkish Deniz Oncü (KTM) who will start on pole, the Frenchman Lorenzo Fellon (Honda) achieving his best performance in this category with the 3rd time.

© 2022 AFP