Autonomous racing has evolved from a tech experiment into a full-fledged sport. At the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League finale, AI cars chased down a former Formula 1 driver, completed 20 laps at 250 kmph, and delivered some of the most dramatic moments in motorsport. From TUM's title-winning run to the six-car showdown at Yas Marina, this video shows how AI racers learned, adapted, and proved they can compete with and challenge human instinct on the track.


Autonomous Cars Taking Over Real Racing

World's toughest motorsport event has made a comeback to Saudi Arabia.

Saudi hosts world's toughest motorsport event

Ferrari's star driver Carlos Sainz has been ruled out of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, hours ahead of the qualifying. The Italian Formula 1 team announced Sainz had been diagnosed with&nbsp;appendicitis which will require surgery.&nbsp;

Reserve driver Oliver Bearman has been announced as his replacement and will pair up with Charles Leclerc for the rest of the weekend.&nbsp;

"As from FP3 and for the rest of this weekend, he will be replaced by reserve driver Oliver Bearman. Oliver will therefore take no further part in this round of the F2 Championship," Ferrari said in a statement.

"The Ferrari family wishes Carlos a speedy recovery," it added.&nbsp;

Prior to pulling out of the race on Friday, Sainz had also skipped the pre-weekend media duties at the&nbsp;Jeddah Corniche Circuit. However, he took part in Thursday's FP1 (Free Practice) and FP2 sessions.&nbsp;

Williams' Alex Albon was also forced to skip the&nbsp;2022 Italian Grand Prix due to appendicitis. He had to undergo surgery and Nyck de Vries jumped in to substitute for him.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/will-max-verstappen-join-ferrari-three-time-world-champion-weighs-in-on-his-future-648372">Also read |&nbsp;Will Max Verstappen join Ferrari? Three-time world champion weighs in on his future</a>

<h2>Disappointment for Sainz</h2>

Sainz missing out on the race will be a disappointment as the Spanish driver was on the podium in the first race of the season in Bahrain, giving Sergio Perez's Red Bull a tough time.&nbsp;

Sainz would have been hoping to build upon his performance and prove to the Ferrari team that letting him go to induct Lewis Hamilton for the next season was not a wise decision.&nbsp;

Notably, it&nbsp;was during the pre-season testing that Hamilton announced he was moving to Ferrari at the end of the current season, much to the surprise of the entire grid.&nbsp;

<h2>Who is Bearman?</h2>

Bearman, 18, had his first outing in Ferrari colours last year, in preparation for a&nbsp;a pair of FP1 outings for Haas at the Mexican and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix.&nbsp;

Since then, he has completed a few more F1 test runs with the Italian carmaker. Currently, he is competing in F2 with the Perma racing team. He won four races and was placed&nbsp;sixth in the feeder series standings.&nbsp;

Notably, Perma had a tough start to the 2024 season in Bahrain before Bearman struck gold in Saudi and claimed the pole position.&nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Ferrari's star driver Carlos Sainz has been ruled out of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, hours ahead of the qualifying. The Italian Formula 1 team announced Sainz had been diagnosed with appendicitis which will require surgery.

Ferrari's star driver Carlos Sainz has been ruled out of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, hours ahead of the qualifying. The Italian Formula 1 team announced Sainz had been diagnosed with appendicitis which will require surgery. Reserve driver Oliver Bearman has been announced as his replacement and will pair up with Charles Leclerc for the rest of the weekend. "As from FP3 and for the rest of this weekend, he will be replaced by reserve driver Oliver Bearman. Oliver will therefore take no further part in this round of the F2 Championship," Ferrari said in a statement. "The Ferrari family wishes Carlos a speedy recovery," it added. Prior to pulling out of the race on Friday, Sainz had also skipped the pre-weekend media duties at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit. However, he took part in Thursday's FP1 (Free Practice) and FP2 sessions. Williams' Alex Albon was also forced to skip the 2022 Italian Grand Prix due to appendicitis. He had to undergo surgery and Nyck de Vries jumped in to substitute for him. Also read | Will Max Verstappen join Ferrari? Three-time world champion weighs in on his future Disappointment for Sainz Sainz missing out on the race will be a disappointment as the Spanish driver was on the podium in the first race of the season in Bahrain, giving Sergio Perez's Red Bull a tough time. Sainz would have been hoping to build upon his performance and prove to the Ferrari team that letting him go to induct Lewis Hamilton for the next season was not a wise decision. Notably, it was during the pre-season testing that Hamilton announced he was moving to Ferrari at the end of the current season, much to the surprise of the entire grid. Who is Bearman? Bearman, 18, had his first outing in Ferrari colours last year, in preparation for a a pair of FP1 outings for Haas at the Mexican and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix. Since then, he has completed a few more F1 test runs with the Italian carmaker. Currently, he is competing in F2 with the Perma racing team. He won four races and was placed sixth in the feeder series standings. Notably, Perma had a tough start to the 2024 season in Bahrain before Bearman struck gold in Saudi and claimed the pole position. (With inputs from agencies)

F1: Ferrari's Carlos Sainz ruled out of Saudi Arabian GP. Know why

Amid chatter on the Formula 1&nbsp;circuit to have more races, after the induction of the Las Vegas Grand Prix this year,&nbsp;FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has had his say on the matter.&nbsp;Sulayem is of the view that F1 should have more teams and fewer races, which might hint at the possibility of&nbsp;US-based Andretti joining the F1 bandwagon.&nbsp;

It was only last week that FIA approved Andretti's application and sent it to Liberty Media-owned&nbsp;Formula One Management (FOM) for commercial discussions.&nbsp;

Sulayem said he was optimistic that the American company which has joined forces with General Motors' renowned&nbsp;Cadillac brand&nbsp;will become the 11th team to enter the F1 grid.&nbsp;

"Saying no to a team which has been approved by the FIA - it's very hard," Sulayem was quoted as saying by Reuters.

"You can call me optimistic, I'm always optimistic. I think yes," he added when asked whether he thought Andretti would prevail.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/f1-sergio-perez-alleges-nationality-bias-points-to-russells-crash-at-singapore-gp-642525">Also read |&nbsp;F1: Sergio Perez alleges nationality bias; points to Russell's crash at Singapore GP</a>

<h2>FIA should be begging OEMs</h2>

The Emirati revealed his future plans to expand the sport and asserted that reaching the complete set of 12 teams was his goal. F1's rules allow for up to 12 teams.&nbsp;

"The FIA should be asking, begging, OEMs [car manufacturers] to come in. We should not just say no to them," he said.

"If you say what is my dream, it is to fill up the 12 [slots] and to have one US team from an OEM and a PU [power unit] and a driver from there driving. And then go to China maybe and ask for the same thing and do it."

Currently, the F1 paddock has space for 10 teams with team bosses not enthusiastic about the prospect of another team on the grid. They are of the view that the introduction of new F1 teams would eat into their profit shares.&nbsp;

Notably, any new entrant is required to cough out a $200m (£164m) anti-dilution fee to current teams to compensate for the loss in prize money. However, teams insist that the current sum is insufficient, especially since F1 under Liberty Media has enjoyed renewed success in recent years. The teams are demanding that instead of $200 million, the new entrant furnish $1 billion to make up for the losses.&nbsp;

Beginning 2024, the F1 calendar will have 24 races, two mid-season breaks, four doubleheaders, two tripleheaders, and the return of the Chinese Grand Prix.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Amid chatter on the Formula 1 circuit to have more races, after the induction of the Las Vegas Grand Prix this year, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has had his say on the matter.

Amid chatter on the Formula 1 circuit to have more races, after the induction of the Las Vegas Grand Prix this year, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has had his say on the matter. Sulayem is of the view that F1 should have more teams and fewer races, which might hint at the possibility of US-based Andretti joining the F1 bandwagon. It was only last week that FIA approved Andretti's application and sent it to Liberty Media-owned Formula One Management (FOM) for commercial discussions. Sulayem said he was optimistic that the American company which has joined forces with General Motors' renowned Cadillac brand will become the 11th team to enter the F1 grid. "Saying no to a team which has been approved by the FIA - it's very hard," Sulayem was quoted as saying by Reuters. "You can call me optimistic, I'm always optimistic. I think yes," he added when asked whether he thought Andretti would prevail. Also read | F1: Sergio Perez alleges nationality bias; points to Russell's crash at Singapore GP FIA should be begging OEMs The Emirati revealed his future plans to expand the sport and asserted that reaching the complete set of 12 teams was his goal. F1's rules allow for up to 12 teams. "The FIA should be asking, begging, OEMs [car manufacturers] to come in. We should not just say no to them," he said. "If you say what is my dream, it is to fill up the 12 [slots] and to have one US team from an OEM and a PU [power unit] and a driver from there driving. And then go to China maybe and ask for the same thing and do it." Currently, the F1 paddock has space for 10 teams with team bosses not enthusiastic about the prospect of another team on the grid. They are of the view that the introduction of new F1 teams would eat into their profit shares. Notably, any new entrant is required to cough out a $200m (£164m) anti-dilution fee to current teams to compensate for the loss in prize money. However, teams insist that the current sum is insufficient, especially since F1 under Liberty Media has enjoyed renewed success in recent years. The teams are demanding that instead of $200 million, the new entrant furnish $1 billion to make up for the losses. Beginning 2024, the F1 calendar will have 24 races, two mid-season breaks, four doubleheaders, two tripleheaders, and the return of the Chinese Grand Prix. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

FIA boss says F1 should have more teams but fewer races

Formula One driver Nikita Mazepin will not be able to race in the British Grand Prix on his Russian license after Motorsport UK on Wednesday banned Russian and Belarusian license holders from racing amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The move by Britain's motor racing federation comes a day after the sport's governing body FIA said Russian and Belarusian drivers would be allowed to compete in a "neutral capacity" under an "FIA flag" following an extraordinary meeting of its World Motor Sport Council (WMSC).

By targeting the nationality of the licenses, Motorsport UK's decision will stop Russian and Belarusian drivers from racing in Britain, regardless of the flag they compete under.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/beijing-winter-paralympics-athletes-from-russia-belarus-can-compete-as-neutrals-458193">Beijing Winter Paralympics: Athletes from Russia, Belarus can compete as neutrals</a>

"We stand united with the people of Ukraine and the motorsport community following the invasion and the unacceptable actions that have unfolded," said Motorsport UK Chair David Richards, who attended Tuesday's WMSC meeting, in a statement.

"This is a time for the international motorsport community to act and show support for the people of Ukraine and our colleagues at the Federation Automobile d'Ukraine (FAU)."

Motorsport UK said its decision was made in full consultation with the British Government and national sports governing bodies.

Mazepin, the only Russian on the Formula One grid, already faces an uncertain future after his U.S.-owned Haas team removed all branding related to Russian potash producer and title sponsor Uralkali on the final day of last week's Barcelona test.

Uralkali is owned by Mazepin's father, oligarch Dmitry Mazepin, and the fate of the partnership and the Russian`s continued presence at the team is set to be decided this week.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/drivers-from-russia-belarus-to-participate-only-in-their-neutral-capacity-says-fia-president-md-ben-sulayem-458137">Drivers from Russia, Belarus to participate only in their neutral capacity, says FIA President Md. Ben Sulayem</a>

Motorsport UK also announced a ban on Russian and Belarusian-licensed teams competing in the UK.

It banned the display of Russian or Belarusian national symbols, colours or flags, even on team uniforms, equipment and cars, at Motorsport UK-permitted events.

The organisation's move raises the prospect of other national motorsport federations applying similar restrictions for their home Formula One races.&nbsp; &nbsp;

The British Grand Prix is scheduled for July 3 at Silverstone.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/roman-abramovich-wants-to-get-rid-of-chelsea-so-he-offered-to-sell-it-says-swiss-billionaire-hansjorg-wyss-458199">Roman Abramovich wants to get rid of Chelsea so he offered to sell it, says Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss</a>

Belarus has been a key staging area for the Russian invasion.

Russia calls its actions in Ukraine a "special operation."&nbsp;

Formula One driver Nikita Mazepin will not be able to race in the British Grand Prix on his Russian license after Motorsport UK on Wednesday banned Russian and Belarusian license holders from racing amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Formula One driver Nikita Mazepin will not be able to race in the British Grand Prix on his Russian license after Motorsport UK on Wednesday banned Russian and Belarusian license holders from racing amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The move by Britain's motor racing federation comes a day after the sport's governing body FIA said Russian and Belarusian drivers would be allowed to compete in a "neutral capacity" under an "FIA flag" following an extraordinary meeting of its World Motor Sport Council (WMSC). By targeting the nationality of the licenses, Motorsport UK's decision will stop Russian and Belarusian drivers from racing in Britain, regardless of the flag they compete under. ALSO READ: Beijing Winter Paralympics: Athletes from Russia, Belarus can compete as neutrals "We stand united with the people of Ukraine and the motorsport community following the invasion and the unacceptable actions that have unfolded," said Motorsport UK Chair David Richards, who attended Tuesday's WMSC meeting, in a statement. "This is a time for the international motorsport community to act and show support for the people of Ukraine and our colleagues at the Federation Automobile d'Ukraine (FAU)." Motorsport UK said its decision was made in full consultation with the British Government and national sports governing bodies. Mazepin, the only Russian on the Formula One grid, already faces an uncertain future after his U.S.-owned Haas team removed all branding related to Russian potash producer and title sponsor Uralkali on the final day of last week's Barcelona test. Uralkali is owned by Mazepin's father, oligarch Dmitry Mazepin, and the fate of the partnership and the Russian`s continued presence at the team is set to be decided this week. ALSO READ: Drivers from Russia, Belarus to participate only in their neutral capacity, says FIA President Md. Ben Sulayem Motorsport UK also announced a ban on Russian and Belarusian-licensed teams competing in the UK. It banned the display of Russian or Belarusian national symbols, colours or flags, even on team uniforms, equipment and cars, at Motorsport UK-permitted events. The organisation's move raises the prospect of other national motorsport federations applying similar restrictions for their home Formula One races. The British Grand Prix is scheduled for July 3 at Silverstone. ALSO READ: Roman Abramovich wants to get rid of Chelsea so he offered to sell it, says Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss Belarus has been a key staging area for the Russian invasion. Russia calls its actions in Ukraine a "special operation."

Motorsport UK bans Russian drivers from racing in Britain amid Ukraine invasion

Andrea Dovizioso will take part in the start of the 2020 MotoGP season next month after undergoing surgery on his left collarbone, his team Ducati said on Monday.

In a statement on Twitter, Italian team Ducati said that the surgery had been carried out successfully in Modena on Sunday evening and that "he will start rehabilitation immediately".

Ducati added that the surgery will allow him to ride the season-opening race at the Jerez circuit in Spain on July 19, the first MotoGP since the coronavirus shutdown.

The season was originally scheduled to start on March 8 in Qatar before COVID-19 tore through the global sporting calendar.

The 34-year-old had broken his collarbone after landing badly during a motocross race at Faenza, near his home in the Emilia-Romagna region in central Italy.

Dovizioso has raced for Ducati since 2013 and finished runner-up in each of the past three seasons behind Spaniard Marc Marquez.

Andrea Dovizioso will take part in the start of the 2020 MotoGP season next month after undergoing surgery on his left collarbone, his team Ducati said on Monday.

Andrea Dovizioso will take part in the start of the 2020 MotoGP season next month after undergoing surgery on his left collarbone, his team Ducati said on Monday. In a statement on Twitter, Italian team Ducati said that the surgery had been carried out successfully in Modena on Sunday evening and that "he will start rehabilitation immediately". Ducati added that the surgery will allow him to ride the season-opening race at the Jerez circuit in Spain on July 19, the first MotoGP since the coronavirus shutdown. The season was originally scheduled to start on March 8 in Qatar before COVID-19 tore through the global sporting calendar. The 34-year-old had broken his collarbone after landing badly during a motocross race at Faenza, near his home in the Emilia-Romagna region in central Italy. Dovizioso has raced for Ducati since 2013 and finished runner-up in each of the past three seasons behind Spaniard Marc Marquez.

Italy's Dovizioso to start MotoGP season after collarbone surgery

NASCAR said Sunday night that a noose was found in the garage stall of black driver Bubba Wallace at Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama, and they have launched a probe of the "heinous" act.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/formula-one-champion-lewis-hamilton-takes-part-in-anti-racism-protests-in-london-307551" hreflang="en">Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton takes part in anti-racism protests in London</a>

Wallace is the only black driver who races full-time in NASCAR's top Cup series.

"Late this afternoon, NASCAR was made aware that a noose was found in the garage stall of the 43 team," the popular stock car series said in a statement.

"We are angry and outraged and cannot state strongly enough how seriously we take this heinous act. We have launched an immediate investigation and will do everything we can to identify the person(s) responsible and eliminate them from the sport.

"As we have stated unequivocally, there is no place for racism in NASCAR and this act only strengthens our resolve to make the sport open and welcoming to all.”

Wallace, who has been outspoken about racial injustice in the wake of George Floyd's death in Minneapolis police custody on May 25, commented on the incident in a statement posted on Twitter, saying he was "incredibly saddened" by the "despicable act of racism."

"This will not break me," Wallace said. "I will not give in, nor will I back down."

Wallace was a strong advocate for NASCAR's decision to ban the Confederate flag from its properties on June 10.

The Confederate flag has been a staple at NASCAR tracks, particularly in the sport's southern US heartland that includes Talladega in Alabama.

But it remains a symbol of slavery and racism for many.

Sunday's race, which was to be NASCAR's first with fans since the coronavirus pandemic erupted, was postponed until Monday by thunderstorms.

Before the heavy weather moved in, a small plane flew above the track trailing a giant Confederate flag and a second banner that read "Defund NASCAR" -- its message widely spread on social media.

NASCAR executive vice president Steve O'Donnell was quick to condemn the display on Twitter, where he posted a picture of black and white hands clasped.

"You won't see a photo of a jackass flying a flag over the track here," O'Donnell wrote. "But you will see this... Hope EVERYONE enjoys the race today."

Sports leagues across the country are grappling with how best to tackle racism in their ranks and how to use their platforms to promote diversity.

This week, NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin's car featured not his usual FedEx sponsor logos but those of the National Civil Rights Museum.

The museum, which chronicles the history of civil rights in the United States, is located in Memphis, Tennessee, where FedEx is headquartered.

"Today you will see my #11 car will not carry the traditional paint scheme that you usually see," Hamlin said on Twitter. "FedEx and myself instead want to give that voice to the NCRM.

"I want to thank them personally for taking the time to educate me on so many topics."

NASCAR said Sunday night that a noose was found in the garage stall of black driver Bubba Wallace at Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama, and they have launched a probe of the "heinous" act.

NASCAR said Sunday night that a noose was found in the garage stall of black driver Bubba Wallace at Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama, and they have launched a probe of the "heinous" act. Also read: Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton takes part in anti-racism protests in London Wallace is the only black driver who races full-time in NASCAR's top Cup series. "Late this afternoon, NASCAR was made aware that a noose was found in the garage stall of the 43 team," the popular stock car series said in a statement. "We are angry and outraged and cannot state strongly enough how seriously we take this heinous act. We have launched an immediate investigation and will do everything we can to identify the person(s) responsible and eliminate them from the sport. "As we have stated unequivocally, there is no place for racism in NASCAR and this act only strengthens our resolve to make the sport open and welcoming to all.” Wallace, who has been outspoken about racial injustice in the wake of George Floyd's death in Minneapolis police custody on May 25, commented on the incident in a statement posted on Twitter, saying he was "incredibly saddened" by the "despicable act of racism." "This will not break me," Wallace said. "I will not give in, nor will I back down." Wallace was a strong advocate for NASCAR's decision to ban the Confederate flag from its properties on June 10. The Confederate flag has been a staple at NASCAR tracks, particularly in the sport's southern US heartland that includes Talladega in Alabama. But it remains a symbol of slavery and racism for many. Sunday's race, which was to be NASCAR's first with fans since the coronavirus pandemic erupted, was postponed until Monday by thunderstorms. Before the heavy weather moved in, a small plane flew above the track trailing a giant Confederate flag and a second banner that read "Defund NASCAR" -- its message widely spread on social media. NASCAR executive vice president Steve O'Donnell was quick to condemn the display on Twitter, where he posted a picture of black and white hands clasped. "You won't see a photo of a jackass flying a flag over the track here," O'Donnell wrote. "But you will see this... Hope EVERYONE enjoys the race today." Sports leagues across the country are grappling with how best to tackle racism in their ranks and how to use their platforms to promote diversity. This week, NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin's car featured not his usual FedEx sponsor logos but those of the National Civil Rights Museum. The museum, which chronicles the history of civil rights in the United States, is located in Memphis, Tennessee, where FedEx is headquartered. "Today you will see my #11 car will not carry the traditional paint scheme that you usually see," Hamlin said on Twitter. "FedEx and myself instead want to give that voice to the NCRM. "I want to thank them personally for taking the time to educate me on so many topics."

Outrage as noose found in garage of black NASCAR driver

British Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton will begin a commission to help motorsport engage more young people from black backgrounds and drive diversity.&nbsp;

The 35-year-old Formula One driver said that he is working with the Royal Academy of Engineering to create a research partnership, the Hamilton Commission, as per his column in the Sunday Times newspaper.&nbsp;

The six-time Formula One champion spoke about the times he has been a victim of racism during his prolific career and despite success "the institutional barriers that have kept F1 highly exclusive persist.

"It is not enough to point to me, or to a single new black hire, as a meaningful example of progress. Thousands of people are employed across this industry and that group needs to be more representative of society," he added.

Lewis Hamilton is Formula One's first black champion and has spoken in support of Black Lives Matter protests. He said that education was &nbsp;"the key to unlocking a more equal society."

"Winning championships is great, but I want to be remembered for my work creating a more equal society through education. That's what drives me," he said.

The commission set up by Hamilton will help young people from black backgrounds with science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects in the field of motorsports.

"The time for platitudes and token gestures is over," said the Mercedes driver.

"I hope that The Hamilton Commission enables real, tangible and measurable change.

"When I look back in 20 years, I want to see the sport that gave a shy, working-class black kid from Stevenage so much opportunity, become as diverse as the complex and multicultural world we live in." 
&nbsp; 
(Inputs from Reuters)

British Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton will begin a commission to help motorsport engage more young people from black backgrounds and drive diversity.

British Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton will begin a commission to help motorsport engage more young people from black backgrounds and drive diversity. The 35-year-old Formula One driver said that he is working with the Royal Academy of Engineering to create a research partnership, the Hamilton Commission, as per his column in the Sunday Times newspaper. The six-time Formula One champion spoke about the times he has been a victim of racism during his prolific career and despite success "the institutional barriers that have kept F1 highly exclusive persist. "It is not enough to point to me, or to a single new black hire, as a meaningful example of progress. Thousands of people are employed across this industry and that group needs to be more representative of society," he added. Lewis Hamilton is Formula One's first black champion and has spoken in support of Black Lives Matter protests. He said that education was "the key to unlocking a more equal society." "Winning championships is great, but I want to be remembered for my work creating a more equal society through education. That's what drives me," he said. The commission set up by Hamilton will help young people from black backgrounds with science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects in the field of motorsports. "The time for platitudes and token gestures is over," said the Mercedes driver. "I hope that The Hamilton Commission enables real, tangible and measurable change. "When I look back in 20 years, I want to see the sport that gave a shy, working-class black kid from Stevenage so much opportunity, become as diverse as the complex and multicultural world we live in." (Inputs from Reuters)

Formula One: Lewis Hamilton launches commission to push diversity in motorsport

Newly crowned world champion Marc Marquez&#39;s gamble on using slick tyres paid off when he stormed to pole position for this weekend&#39;s Australian MotoGP at Phillip Island on Saturday.

The 23-year-old Spaniard, on a Repsol Honda, clocked the fastest lap of one minute 30.189 seconds amid threatening rain to start on the inside of the grid for Sunday&#39;s race.

It was Marquez&#39;s 37th MotoGP pole as he vies for his 30th career premier class win at Phillip Island.

British Honda rider Cal Crutchlow was second ahead of Spain&#39;s Monster Yamaha racer Pol Espargaro and both will start off the front row in Sunday&#39;s race.

The two-part qualifying session played out under the threat of heavy rain but Marquez, who clinched his third MotoGP world title last weekend in Japan, took the risk and ran with slick tyres on the dry track surface.

His gamble paid off when he reeled off four fastest lap times before finishing 0.792seconds ahead of Crutchlow at the end of Q2.

&quot;It was a little bit difficult because there was some rain coming off the sea and you could see the heavy rain was coming,&quot; Marquez said.

&quot;I thought I would take the risk because the track was completely dry and then I did some pretty fast laps and right at the end the tyre started to spin too much.

&quot;I am very happy with the pole position and we will see tomorrow if the track is dry because nobody knows yet about the tyres and how we are going to manage the race.&quot;

Marquez rode one of his greatest races to pip Jorge Lorenzo by just 0.249 seconds in last year&#39;s Phillip Island race and his Repsol Honda bike looks superior to the others this weekend.

Crutchlow, who topped the Q1 session to advance into the second qualifying session along with Lorenzo, ran with intermediate tyres and was always in the top three in the final session.

Lorenzo could only finish 12th in Q2, some 6.6 seconds behind Marquez, while his Movistar team-mate and nine-time world champion Valentino Rossi failed to make it into the final qualifying session and will start 15th on the grid for Sunday&#39;s race.

(AFP)

Marc Marquez clocked the fastest lap of one minute 30.189 seconds despite slick tyres and heavy rain

Newly crowned world champion Marc Marquez's gamble on using slick tyres paid off when he stormed to pole position for this weekend's Australian MotoGP at Phillip Island on Saturday. The 23-year-old Spaniard, on a Repsol Honda, clocked the fastest lap of one minute 30.189 seconds amid threatening rain to start on the inside of the grid for Sunday's race. It was Marquez's 37th MotoGP pole as he vies for his 30th career premier class win at Phillip Island. British Honda rider Cal Crutchlow was second ahead of Spain's Monster Yamaha racer Pol Espargaro and both will start off the front row in Sunday's race. The two-part qualifying session played out under the threat of heavy rain but Marquez, who clinched his third MotoGP world title last weekend in Japan, took the risk and ran with slick tyres on the dry track surface. His gamble paid off when he reeled off four fastest lap times before finishing 0.792seconds ahead of Crutchlow at the end of Q2. "It was a little bit difficult because there was some rain coming off the sea and you could see the heavy rain was coming," Marquez said. "I thought I would take the risk because the track was completely dry and then I did some pretty fast laps and right at the end the tyre started to spin too much. "I am very happy with the pole position and we will see tomorrow if the track is dry because nobody knows yet about the tyres and how we are going to manage the race." Marquez rode one of his greatest races to pip Jorge Lorenzo by just 0.249 seconds in last year's Phillip Island race and his Repsol Honda bike looks superior to the others this weekend. Crutchlow, who topped the Q1 session to advance into the second qualifying session along with Lorenzo, ran with intermediate tyres and was always in the top three in the final session. Lorenzo could only finish 12th in Q2, some 6.6 seconds behind Marquez, while his Movistar team-mate and nine-time world champion Valentino Rossi failed to make it into the final qualifying session and will start 15th on the grid for Sunday's race. (AFP)

Australian MotoGP: Marquez achieves pole position

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