Viñales storms to pole

Beating last year’s Moto3 best at Silverstone by two and a half seconds, Viñales was on top form as he posted 2’13.507 to seal his second pole of the year but first since Le Mans in mid-May. With Rins (Estrella Galicia 0,0, pole-sitter at the previous three Grands Prix) and championship leader Salom (Red Bull KTM Ajo) poised to be right with Viñales at the start, Sunday’s race promises to be another closely-fought affair. Row 2 will consist of Caretta Technology – RTG’s Jack Miller, Mapfre Aspar Team Moto3’s Jonas Folger and Rins’ teammate Alex Marquez who rejoined the session following a huge highside crash which damaged the fairing of his KTM. Ongetta-Centro Seta’s Isaac Viñales, elder cousin of Maverick, will line up seventh and head the third row from Mahindra Racing’s Miguel Oliveira and GO&FUN Gresini Moto3’s Niccolo Antonelli. Tenth will be Ongetta-Rivacold’s Alexis Masbou, just ahead of Avant Tecno’s Niklas Ajo who had a fall. Despite Silverstone being the longest circuit on the calendar at almost six kilometres per lap, riders still struggled with slow traffic - not least in the tight Arena complex starting at Village corner. In 16th place, German rookie Philipp Oettl managed his best qualifying result to date for Tec Interwetten Moto3 Racing, while Scotland’s John McPhee is the leading British runner and will set off from 19th for Caretta Technology – RTG. Racing Steps Foundation KRP wildcards Wayne Ryan and Kyle Ryde will occupy positions 33rd and 35th on the grid as they make their respective debuts.