After a exiting race at Brno, the riders get ready to face a double header at the Red Bull Ring, with the Austrian GP starting this weekend. A track that is showing different strength and weaknesses between the brands on diferent part of the layout.

First qualy session saw last week protagonists Binder, Zarco and Rossi having to cross the long path after tricky conditions on FP sessions; With Aleix Espargaro, Petrucci, Crutchlow and Lecuona as strong adversaries that could give a surprise. After the first stint, the Avintia of Johann Zarco was showing the best time ahead of Petrucci, Rossi, Binder and Alex Márquez. Drama was present of track, as Petrucci and Aleix had some thoughs to mutually express, as both find on track and abort their respective laps. A the last attempt, Zarco improved his lap to get a spot on next session, while Rossi, Petrucci and Aleix were on a close battle; As the Ducati rider was on the second spot, “the Doctor” had the last word and took the last spot ahead of Petrux

Q1 Results: 

13. Danilo Petrucci // 14. Aleix Espargaro // 15. Cal Crutchlow
16. Iker Lecuona // 17. Brad Binder // 18. Alex Márquez
19. Stefan Bradl // 20. Bradley Smith // 21. Tito Rabat // 22. Michelle Pirro

As Q2 was on the first minutes, the expectancy was high as many riders could take the pole; Viñales, Quartararo, Dovizioso, Miller and Pol Espargaro were very strong on the practice sessions, with much chance to take first place. Yamahas stiked first, with Quartararo, Viñales and Morbidelli leading at first stint, followed by Miller and Suzuki riders Rins and Mir. As riders went through second stint, the Ducatis made a comeback, showing their strength at first and second straights, Miller and Dovi were close to the pole, but eventually it was the Spaniard Maverick Viñales who took his 10th career pole, followed by a strong performance of Jack Miller and championship leader Fabio Quartararo closing the first row

Q2 Results:

1. Maverick Viñales  // 2. Jack Miller // 3. Fabio Quartararo
4. Andrea Dovizioso // 5. Pol Espargaro // 6. Joan Mir
7. Franco Morbidelli // 8. Alex Rins // 9. Johann Zarco
10. Takaaki Nakagami // 11. Miguel Oliveira // 12. Valentino Rossi

Strong result for Viñales, as he seeks to reduce the gap at the championship standings, but ain’t gonna be an easy day tomorrow; As the bikes from the top 5 looks quite competitive and could take the win at the race.