The result marks a breakthrough moment for Ogura as he ‌prepares to lead the field away tomorrow at one of MotoGP’s most demanding circuits. — AFP pic Earn a fixed rate of up to 4.2%* p.a. for 210 days with Versa Save! Plus, enjoy an additional FREE RM10 when you sign up using code VERSAMM10 with a min. cash-in of RM100 today. T&Cs apply. Saturday, 20 Jun 2026 6:47 PM MYT BRNO (Czech Republic), June 20 — Trackhouse Racing's Ai Ogura secured his maiden MotoGP pole at the Czech Grand Prix ‌on Saturday, setting a new lap record at Brno in qualifying, while Marc Marquez finished fifth fastest.The result marks a breakthrough moment for Ogura as he ‌prepares to lead the field away tomorrow at one of MotoGP’s most demanding circuits.The Japanese rider, who had already topped Friday’s sessions, clocked a blistering 1 minute 51.130 seconds to take pole, finishing ahead of VR46 Racing Team’s Fabio Di Giannantonio and Francesco Bagnaia, who had taken pole at the circuit in 2025.Qualifying unfolded at a frantic pace, as LCR Honda’s Diogo Moreira was the first to set the pace before Di Giannantonio moved to the top of the ‌timesheets.Bagnaia then raised the bar further with a 1:51.383 to provisionally ⁠claim pole, only for Ogura to ⁠respond with a decisive lap that ultimately secured ⁠the top spot."The lap was ⁠really nice. To ⁠be honest, I did not expect to be that fast. It was good to have one fast lap this afternoon. We will see ⁠how it goes. It will be a long race," Ogura said.Di Giannantonio added: "Ogura rode incredibly well. I thought my time was enough. I am happy with my job. On qualifying it was important to be in the front row. I am really happy."Defending Brno winner Marquez ⁠endured a mixed session. His first flying lap was deleted for exceeding track limits, and he went on to qualify fifth, ⁠behind Marco Bezzecchi. The Italian rider produced a late improvement to climb the ⁠order ⁠and finish just outside the front row.Ogura’s pole position capped a strong weekend so far, with the Trackhouse rider among five competitors to dip below the ‌1 minute 52 second mark during practice - a session in which Marquez had been the first to do so. — Reuters