He went through Q1, advanced to Q2 and claimed the last pole position of the 2018 season. Maverick Vinales went in for a sensational, thrilling qualifying session at Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia. Track conditions were semi-damp, causing numerous crashes, but the riders threw a hell of a show today. 

Vinales clocked a 1’31’’312, which was enough for pole. Alex Rins qualified 2^nd, only 0.068s short. Dovizioso had to settle for 3^rd, as he lost in the fourth sector when he was going for the fastest laptime.

Danilo Petrucci, who had topped FP3 earlier today, will open the second row, owing to a last-minute improvement in Q2. Marc Marquez crashed out at turn 4 and was transported back to the paddock, as his shoulder popped out. The same happened during his over the top title celebrations in Japan, after which the 7-time champion revealed that he is undergoing surgery once the season ends. Following a few quick checks, Marquez went back out and finished 5^th.

Pol Espargaro closed in 6^th, ahead of Andrea Iannone, who advanced from Q1 along with poleman Vinales. Aleix Espargaro qualified 8^th ahead of fellow Spaniard Daniel Pedrosa, who is retiring at the end at the season before heading to KTM and undertaking a testing role.

Jack Miller rounds up the top 10, ahead of Johann Zarco, who crashed when there was still one minute left to the chequered flag. Michele Pirro closes in 12^th, ahead of Jorge Lorenzo, who missed out in Q1 and will start from P13 tomorrow. Valentino Rossi struggled and did not make it to Q2 either, as he is down in P16.