For the fifth time this season, Iván Ortolá will start from pole position in Moto3. The rider was the fastest in the qualifying session for the Japanese GP, setting a new lap record at Motegi with a time of 1m54.761s.
Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) was the first leader of Q1, followed by David Alonso (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar), who was 0.304s slower on the opening laps. Joel Kelso (BOE Motorsports/KTM) was in third.
Ortolá (MT Helmets-MSi/KTM) was the next rider to rise to the top of the standings, pushing Veijer to second by 0.387s, while Alonso dropped to third and Ángel Piqueras (Leopard Racing/Honda) remained in fourth.
In the final five minutes, Ryusei Yamanaka (MT Helmets-MSi/KTM) moved into third place and briefly occupied second before Veijer reclaimed the position. The Dutchman even managed to take the lead in the final minute.
However, Ortolá went even better, becoming the only rider to lap in the 1m54s (1m54.761s) to secure pole position, beating Veijer by a clear 0.356s. Alonso secured third place, 0.409s behind, while his main championship rival, Daniel Holgado (Red Bull GasGas Tech3), was relegated to ninth.
