Acosta had achieved his first intermediate class pole position a fortnight ago at the French Grand Prix, and the rookie was looking good for two in a row when he set a 1:51.265 and then a 1:51.246 on consecutive laps. However, Canet, who is still not at full fitness after the multi-rider crash three rounds ago at Portimao, had other ideas. It is he who will start from first position on Sunday afternoon, for the second time in four rounds, and just 0.158 seconds covers the top three after Lowes managed to lap as quickly as a 1:51.279.