The MotoGP title battle got hotter at Mandalika on Saturday morning as Marc Marquez engaged in some mind games with Jorge Martin in qualifying. The tension inside the paddock reached a boiling point as the two championship contenders played strategic cat-and-mouse games on the track during a crucial session.
Martin, just two points clear of Marquez at the top of the standings, was only seventh after the opening run. The reigning champion, who faces a tough battle to contain the Aprilias this weekend, then followed his rival out of the pits for the final run.
Martin was alerted to the #93's presence by a dashboard message from his team, pulling over to let Marquez by. But the nine-time champion refused the invitation, backing off and remaining glued to Martin’s rear wheel.
Given his poor opening run, Martin had no choice but to push and, with Marquez latched to the back of his RS-GP, claimed fifth on the grid. Marquez also improved, for fourth, meaning the pair will start side by side on the second row of this afternoon's Sprint.
Marquez has used the tactic frequently in the past - usually, he says, when he's struggling for pace and has no choice - but this was the first time it had been deployed this season.
Pole went to Trackhouse Aprilia of Raul Fernandez, ahead of Martin’s factory team-mate Marco Bezzecchi, while VR46’s Fabio di Giannantonio was the leading Ducati rider in third.
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