Marquez storms to 53rd career pole in Argentina

Termas de Río Hondo, Argentina: World champion Marc Marquez stormed to his 53rd career pole position at the Argentina MotoGP on Saturday to stand just two off the all-time record of 55 held by bitter rival Valentino Rossi.

Honda rider Marquez will start Sunday's race at Termas de Rio Hondo from the front row ahead of Spanish compatriot Maverick Vinales on a Yamaha and Andrea Dovizioso, the Ducati rider who won the season opener in Qatar.

Marquez's 53 elite-class poles have come from just 110 races while Rossi's 55 have been achieved from 325 outings.

Italian veteran Rossi, on the second factory Yamaha, was fourth in Saturday qualifying ahead of Fabio Quartararo on a Yamaha-SRT.