MotoGP: Aleix Espargaro helps Suzuki to surprise Catalunya pole

Aleix Espargaro, centre, celebrates only his second ever pole

Suzuki claimed a first pole position since 2007 thanks to Aleix Espargaro's record lap time in qualifying for the Catalunya Grand Prix.

Spain's Espargaro clocked one minute 40.546 seconds, edging out team-mate Maverick Vinales by 0.083secs.

Espargaro and Vinales have seven points between them this season and are 11th and 14th respectively in the table.

Japanese manufacturer Suzuki returned to the sport this year after leaving in 2011 for financial reasons.

Yamaha's Valentino Rossi, who leads the standings, was seventh quickest in qualifying for Sunday's race.

Britons Bradley Smith and Cal Crutchlow will start just behind the Italian on the grid, in eight and ninth place respectively.