Petronas Yamaha SRT rider Morbidelli powered through the final sector at Circuit de Catalunya to deliver a scorching lap of 1:38.798s, edging out teammate Fabio Quartararo.

“To beat Fabio in a hot lap is always great which means you’re very, very fast,” said Morbidelli, who is fifth in the world championship standings.

“I was feeling great with the bike and tomorrow we’ll try to make a good race as well.”

Early pace-setter Quartararo went for one final attempt as the chequered flag came out but was unable to improve on his second-place finish.

Italian great Valentino Rossi, who committed his future to Petronas SRT for the 2021 season earlier today, finished third on his factory Yamaha bike to seal a front-row position for the first time this season.

“It’s a really great result to be in the front row, especially today which is special because I signed a contract for next year,” nine-time world champion Rossi said.

Championship leader Andrea Dovizioso’s difficult run in qualifying sessions this season continued as the Ducati rider failed to qualify for Q2.

He will start Sunday’s race 17th on the grid.

The first seven rounds of the Covid-hit season have produced six different winners, with Quartararo taking the opening two races in Jerez, Spain.

Dovizioso leads the world championship with 84 points, a point ahead of Quartararo and Yamaha’s Maverick Vinales.