MotoGP: Record-breaking Lorenzo storms to Le Mans pole

Jorge Lorenzo made history with the quickest ever lap at the Grand Prix of France to claim pole in Le Mans.

The defending world champion became the first rider to complete a one minute 31 seconds lap around at the track, turning his free practice dominance into pole as he finished four tenths faster than rival Marc Marquez.

Lorenzo immediately set the early pace with the fastest time of the weekend, and that proved enough as Marquez's attempts to usurp him proved futile.

Repsol Honda's Marquez – who leads the riders' standings by 17 points from Lorenzo – had to settle for second, with Andrea Iannone of Ducati completing the top three.

The session was less impressive for Valentino Rossi as the Italian could only manage seventh place, the seven-time champion pushed down the order by Pol Espargaro, Andrea Dovizioso and Bradley Smith.

Lorenzo will now hope the fifth race of the season follows the same pattern as the previous four, when the pole sitter went on to claim victory and the maximum 25 points.

Provisional classification

1.    Jorge Lorenzo (Movistar Yamaha) 1:31.975 2.    Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda) 1:32.416 3.    Andrea Iannone (Ducati) 1:32.469 4.    Pol Espargaro (Monster Yamaha) 1:32.502 5.    Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati) 1:32.587 6.    Bradley Smith (Monster Yamaha) 1:32.820 7.    Valentino Rossi (Movistar Yamaha) 1:32.829 8.    Maverick Vinales (Suzuki) 1:32.933 9.    Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda) 1:32.963 10.  Danilo Petrucci (Pramac) 1:33.102