Silverstone, Great Britain – 29 August 2015: Team Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS rider Tito Rabat is preparing to ride through the pain barrier from fourth on the grid in tomorrow’s British Grand Prix after a heavy crash in the closing moments of an incident-packed Silverstone Moto2 qualifying session.

A blistering early lap of 2.06.588 saw Rabat smash the 2013 pole position record by 0.5s and put him firmly in contention for a ninth front row start in 12 races.

Lap times continued to tumble in a record-breaking 45-minute session and Rabat dropped back to fourth when the Spaniard's session ended in painful fashion. He lost control of his Kalex machine at The Loop left-hander on his final lap and the 2014 British Grand Prix winner was violently thrown over the handlebars and landed heavily on his right leg.

Extensive medical checks in the Silverstone Medical Centre confirmed Rabat had suffered heavy bruising to his right knee and no fractures and he will be fit to start tomorrow’s 18-lap race.

A late crash at the opening turn also cost Alex Marquez the opportunity to battle for a first Moto2 front row, which looked a distinct possibility when he finished this morning’s third practice session in a stunning second place.

He too was unhurt in the late spill and a lap of 2.07.076 secured him a place on the third row of the grid.

Tito Rabat: 4th – 2’06.588
“The most positive part of today is that I am uninjured after what was a very big crash. It was a big impact on my leg but luckily I only have some bruising and I can start the race tomorrow. The pace in qualifying was really fast and I was pleased with my pace on the first tyre. But with the second tyre the behaviour of the bike changed completely and we don’t really understand why. I am still looking forward to the race and it should be another exciting battle.”

Alex Marquez: 9th – 2’07.076
“We have enjoyed a really positive weekend so far in Silverstone and that was confirmed this morning when I was very close to setting the fastest time. I was confident for qualifying but that crash in the last 10 minutes cost me. I am sure I could have improved, so I am happy but not completely satisfied because we could have been higher on the grid and probably on the second row for the first time. I feel good on the bike and I feel confident for the race tomorrow because my rhythm has been strong all weekend.”