Moto2: Zarco escapes Morbidelli for Austrian pole position

Johann Zarco has taken pole position in Moto2 qualifying in Austria, after controlling qualifying to finish ahead of Franco Morbidelli, taking his best-ever qualifying position, and with Tom Luthi completing the front row.

Zarco has been the pacesetter for the majority of the track time so far in Spielberg, and the championship leader and reigning champion continued his form into qualifying to take pole.

Franco Morbidelli starts from the middle of the front row in his best result so far, after using a tow from Zarco to initially top the session. He then just lost the provisional pole in the closing stages as the Frenchman hit back.

Tom Luthi has been on the pace all weekend and could prove a key rival to Zarco in the race, with the Swiss rider proving fast and consistent all. The veteran seems to have a good race rhythm and was aiming for a front row start, eager to be a protagonist in the race.

Championship contender Sam Lowes qualified in seventh as the Brit fights to find some form and chase down leader Zarco, with key rival of both men – Alex Rins – just behind in eighth.