Quartararo Denies Bezzecchi in Final Lap Thriller, Miller Secures Front Row Start

In an electrifying qualifying session at Phillip Island, Fabio Quartararo snatched pole position in the dying moments to edge out Marco Bezzecchi, while local favourite Jack Miller made a strong push to lock down a front-row starting spot.

The Q2 shootout delivered tension, strategy and split-second drama. Bezzecchi had looked set to take pole, setting a blistering time and maintaining the top slot for much of the session. However, Quartararo lurked in the wings, waiting for his final opportunity. In the last seconds on the clock, the Yamaha ace unleashed a perfect lap to leapfrog Bezzecchi and claim pole by the narrowest of margins.

Bezzecchi’s valiant effort gains him second on the grid, still a remarkable result given the depth of the field. His pace throughout qualifying had been impressive, and he rode with accuracy and commitment as the pressure mounted. Meanwhile, Miller delivered in front of his home fans. His late lap earned him a prized position on the front row, setting up a thrilling Aussie battle.

Behind the top three, Raul Fernández impressed to take fourth, showing strong pace on the Aprilia. Pedro Acosta rounded out the second row in fifth, edging ahead after a hard fight amongst the contenders. Johann Zarco claimed sixth, while Álex Márquez was seventh, Álex Rins eighth, Luca Marini ninth, and Pol Espargaró completed the top ten.

Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia faced challenges throughout qualifying, struggling with setup issues and unable to find the ideal balance on his bike. His qualifying time left him further down the grid than expected, adding pressure for the Sprint and main event.

Quartararo’s sudden strike for pole underscores both his patience and tactical acumen — he timed his attack to perfection. Bezzecchi will be disappointed to be denied pole, but his performance affirms Aprilia’s growing strength. For Miller, securing a front-row start in front of his home crowd is a massive boost, and he’ll be looking to capitalise in the Sprint.

As the paddock resets for tomorrow’s racing, the grid is now set for a gripping showdown — with star names and passionate fans alike ready for fireworks under Phillip Island’s unpredictable conditions.