Aleix Espargaro on pole for Dutch MotoGP race after topping the times in qualifying

SPAIN’S Aleix Espargaro took pole position for the Dutch MotoGP, finishing ahead of reigning champion Marc Marquez.

MGM Forward Racing's Spanish rider Aleix Espargaro waves after the Moto GP qualifying session of the Catalunya Grand Prix at the Montmelo racetrack near Barcelona on June 14, 2014. AFP PHOTO / JOSEP LAGO

SPAIN’S Aleix Espargaro took pole position for the Dutch MotoGP, finishing ahead of reigning champion Marc Marquez, who is aiming for an eighth consecutive season win.

It is the first ever pole position for Yahama rider Espargaro, who made his intentions clear on Thursday by setting the fastest lap ever recorded at the current Assen track.

Espargaro, who set a time of 1min 38.789 on Friday, outpaced Marquez by a comfortable 1.405 seconds in changing and difficult weather conditions, with another Spaniard, Dani Pedrosa, in third, 1.943 seconds off the pace.

Italy’s Andrea Iannone will lead the second row, finishing fourth fastest at 1.997 seconds on a Ducati, with Britain’s Cal Crutchlow on another Ducati alongside him at 2.007 seconds.