Marc Marquez (Ducati Team) secured pole position for the 2025 MotoGP Grand Prix of Germany in a dramatic, rain-affected qualifying at the Sachsenring Circuit on Saturday.

The former World Champion clocked a fastest lap of 1:28.730, edging out Q1 graduate Johann Zarco (Honda LCR) by just 0.151 seconds in a tense final showdown. Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) rounded out the front row after an impressive wet-weather performance, making it three manufacturers at the front of the grid.

Rain played a major role in the qualifying session. Zarco had earlier topped Q1 with a strong 1:28.370, beating Maverick Viñales and Raul Fernandez to progress into Q2. However, Q2 started with drama as Viñales and Jack Miller crashed at Turn 4 due to slick conditions.

Marquez took early control of Q2, improving his time consistently despite a near miss at the Waterfall section. Zarco pushed hard and came within 0.065s, but couldn’t dethrone the Spaniard. A late crash ended Franco Morbidelli’s pole attempt, though he still secured P4 and will lead the second row.

Pedro Acosta and Alex Marquez complete the second row, with the latter fighting through injury. The third row features Fabio Quartararo, Fabio Di Giannantonio, and Jack Miller. Defending champion Francesco Bagnaia struggled and will start 11th, just ahead of Viñales.

Marquez’s 73rd career pole puts him in a strong position for Sunday’s race, with title contenders chasing closely behind.