Proper crack
Pecco was giving it a proper crack. The Italian was 0.295s under Marquez' lap halfway around COTA's 5.5km layout, and at the third split, he was 0.4sec under.
Crossing the line, Bagnaia launched to provisional pole position and soon after, Quartararo slotted into P2 - 0.3s off his rival. Marquez was unable to improve his lap time, the number 93 could do no better than P3, with Miller encountering issues on his second run.
Plenty good
Attentions turned to Quartararo though, who had crossed the line in time to get another lap under his belt.
A red first sector time was followed by two personal best sectors, however, the Frenchman was unable to improve. Nevertheless, P2 for Quartararo is plenty good enough all things considered.
Can Marquez reign?
The stage is perfectly set after qualifying.. the top two in the 2021 FIM MotoGP World Championship and the King of COTA head up the grid, with another horsepower rodeo just around the corner.
Can Marquez make it seven from eight?
Martin in the mix
Martin (Pramac Racing), who had been behind Marquez when the Honda rider was on for provisional pole, stayed there so he will now head up Row 2 - as top Independent Team rider too.
Can Bagnaia become the first Ducati rider since Casey Stoner to win three on the bounce? Or will Quartararo take Yamaha's first win in Texas? Find out on Sunday.