---
title: "Zarco sets lap record to take pole at Motegi"
canonical: "https://readmotorsport.com/2016/10/15/zarco-sets-lap-record-take-pole-motegi/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Alex Murray"
section: "Moto2"
published: "2016-10-15T10:08:47Z"
modified: "2016-10-15T10:08:47Z"
---

# Zarco sets lap record to take pole at Motegi

Championship leader Johann Zarco took pole at Motegi with a new lap record for the intermediate class.

Zarco set his time, before falling off not long after. He was still able to keep pole position, as he looks to win his second Moto2 crown. This will be further helped by the fact rival Alex Rins finished all the way down in 22nd place.

Tom Luthi finished the day in second after holding on to pole for most of the session. Franco Morbidelli will start from third, continuing the good form he has shown so far this season.

![Mirco Lazzari gp/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readmotorsport.com/readmotorsport/2016/10/614553476.jpg)

The second row will be fronted by Sam Lowes. The Briton needs a good result this weekend to keep his slim championship hopes alive. Sandro Cortese will join him, with Axel Pons ending up in sixth place.

Home GP-man Takaaki Nakagami will start from seventh, heading up the third row. Alex Marquez, Jonas Folger and Mattia Pasini round out the top ten.

The Moto2 race gets underway at 4:20 BST tomorrow.