The CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team rider returns to the front row of the grid at the Le Mans circuit after setting the second-fastest time. David Alonso finished seventh after progressing through Q1

Dani Holgado battled for his second pole of the season and fell just a few thousandths short of securing it. The CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team rider returns to the front row of the grid for the first time since the Brazilian Grand Prix and will start the race from second position. The Spaniard came very close to overtaking Izan Guevara, who secured his first pole in the intermediate category. Filip Salac will start from third position, whilst David Alonso will start from a creditable seventh place after having to go through Q1.

The weather forecast had predicted wet conditions, but the rain eventually let up and the Moto2 riders were able to continue with Friday’s work. Dani Holgado has shown steady progress throughout the weekend and was already faster this morning than in the previous day’s sessions. The CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team rider, who had already secured his place in Q2 yesterday, focused on completing a race simulation and riding alone to find his own rhythm. In the afternoon, the Spaniard stuck to the same strategy and continued to improve his times, eventually moving into the top three of the standings. Holgado tried to improve his time one last time and, although he didn’t manage it, his 1:33.996 from the start of the session was enough to secure second place, just 0.086 seconds off pole position. His team-mate David Alonso continues to work on his shoulder recovery, which is why he barely rode in this morning’s free practice session. The Colombian comfortably made it through Q1 and saved all his energy for the second qualifying session. Gradually, he rode with greater fluidity, and this was reflected in his times, which were the best of the weekend. With an impressive 1:34.139, Alonso will tackle tomorrow’s demanding race from the third row, in seventh position.

2nd Dani Holgado 1:33.996 (+0.086): “I’ve been feeling really good this weekend and what I’d highlight most is that I’ve been very consistent. Le Mans is a tricky circuit because all the riders are so close to one another. In qualifying I put in a good lap and tried to improve on it afterwards, although I struggled to get the final sector right. I’m happy because I set the time riding on my own without any reference points, and that means I have a good base to go fast. The pace this morning was good; I don’t think it’s enough to win, but it’s enough to have a chance of fighting for the podium. We have a good starting position, so I’ll be able to focus on maintaining my own pace rather than trying to move up the order. It looks like it’s going to be a wet race tomorrow, although it’s not certain because the weather here is always very unpredictable. The conditions are out of our hands; we’ll always give one hundred per cent, although I think it’ll be easier if it doesn’t rain. We have to accept that we’ll have to adapt as best we can and make the most of it. Whatever happens, we’ll be ready.”

7th David Alonso 1:34.139 (+0.229): “I’m still able to compete, which is the most positive thing. The injury is improving little by little, although this morning I had to save my strength because my shoulder was feeling the strain from yesterday’s effort. I sacrificed the morning session to focus all my energy on the qualifying. I did a good job of keeping my shoulder stable and it was the session where I rode best all weekend, feeling more and more natural. I hadn’t maintained such a high pace until this afternoon and I could feel it. Now it’s time to rest properly so I can complete all the laps and finish the race. If it rains, I’ll need to understand the grip on the track well and get a feel for the bike in these conditions; it’ll be a good opportunity to keep learning.”