Marc Marquez claimed the top spot in qualifying at Phillip Island ahead of the weekend's sprint race. The reigning world champion produced the fastest lap when it counted, taking pole for the shortened contest. Right beside him on the front row of the grid will be his brother Alex Marquez and the French rider Johann Zarco. The three quickest men will line up together, setting up a tight launch into the first corner. The sprint format compresses the racing into a short, high pressure burst. Points are on the line, so every position gained carries weight for the championship. The full grand prix follows on Sunday, with the grid decided by the same qualifying session.