Misano MotoGP: Scott Redding just misses pole

Scott Redding missed a stunning maiden pole position in Misano today by just 0.044s after another brilliant display from the British teenager.

Boosted by a career first Moto2 podium in a gruelling race in Indianapolis just six days ago, the 17-year-old held pole position with just five minutes of this afternoon’s qualifying session remaining.

But Moto2 world championship leader Toni Elias beat the Marc VDS Racing rider’s best of 1.39.035 in the final moments.

The Gloucestershire rider ended up second on the grid and after securing his second successive front row he said: “We’ve had good pace throughout practice, so I knew the only thing that would stop me qualifying well today would be the traffic.

“I got in a good lap early on, when a gap appeared on track, but I was pretty confident I could go faster. Right at the end of the session I managed to reclaim second, but I was a bit concerned about towing Cluzel around the next lap and having him leapfrog me at the line.

“I had a quick check behind me and, when I saw he’d dropped off slightly, I just got my head down and went for it. I was a bit disappointed to get pipped for pole by Toni right at the end, but a front row start will do for me. Going full gas worked well for me in Indianapolis a week ago, so why change a successful formula!”