Octo Pramac Ducati team-mates Danilo Petrucci and Scott Redding couldn’t have had more different MotoGP qualifying results if they had tried as the Italian only missed pole by three-tenths while the Briton was four seconds off the pace.

Petrucci, who is riding a bang-up-to-date GP17, said he was a little surprised by his front-row pace but added a mistake in the final corner probably denied his maiden pole while Redding is totally mystified by his lack of speed – given he is usually fast in the rain and was third in opening practice on Friday before enountering problems in the afternoon.

“I'm very happy because I didn't expect it. This morning the feeling wasn't perfect and I couldn't be as fast as I hoped. In qualifying we made a very good strategy by making the most of the time available. It's a pity that I made a mistake on one of the last corners otherwise I could have finished with the pole position. But it doesn't matter. The front row start is very good and starting ahead is very important in this circuit,” said an enthusiastic Petrucci.

Redding said: ““I have never had feeling. I had the same problems experienced on Friday and this morning's crash didn't help me. I cannot understand why we have lost our way completely. In qualifying, even when the track was starting to dry, I tried to push hard but I was a second slower than in wet conditions. Am I myself? Is the bike? Is it the setting? Tyres? So many questions. We have to find somehow a solution for tomorrow.”