2018 Argentina MotoGP Qualifying Results

Following three years on a satellite Honda RC213V, Jack Miller signed with Alma Pramac Racing Ducati for 2018.

The Australian had mixed results in pre-season testing, his best finish a third during the Qatar test. During the opening round at Qatar’s Losail International Circuit, Miller claimed 10th.

Things got much better for Miller Saturday during qualifying for round 2 of 19 in 2018 MotoGP at Argentina’s Termas de Rio Hondo circuit.

Ducati's Jack Miller at Argentina MotoGP Qualifying Results — Ducati’s Jack Miller

Miller made a wise decision to switch to slicks on a drying circuit, and was able to earn his debut pole position in the premier class. He also became the first Ducati Independent Team Rider to secure a pole.

Miller, who has a single premier class win after victory during a wet Assen MotoGP in 2016, posted a best lap of 1:47.153 to take pole during the 15-minute qualifying sessions. Joining him on the front row for Sunday’s 25-lap race are Repsol Honda’s Dani Pedrosa, who finished 0.177 of a second back, and Monster Yamaha Tech 3’s Johann Zarco, who finished 0.212 of a second back.

Heading up row two is Reale Avintia Racing Ducati’s Tito Rabat, his best qualifying effort in MotoGP. Rabat will be joined on row two by Team Suzuki Ecstar’s Alex Rins and the reigning MotoGP Champion Marc Marquez on the factory Repsol Honda.

Qaulifying seventh was Aprilia Racing Team Gresini’s Aleix Espargaro, who was the final rider to post within a second of Miller. Qatar winner Andrea Dovizioso qualifying eighth aboard the Ducati Team GP18, and he was follwed by Movistar Yamaha MotoGP’s Maverick Vinales and LCR Honda Castrol’s Cal Crutchlow.

Nine-time World Champion Valentino Rossi qualified 11th, ahead of Team Suzuki Excstar’s Andrea Iannone. As for three-time MotoGP Champion Jorge Lorenzo, he continues to struggle on the Ducati GP18, the Spaniard qualifying 14th.

Rain is expected again on Sunday for the Argentina Grand Prix, which goes green at 2 p.m. ET.