World championship leader Valentino Rossi will start on pole position at Saturday’s Dutch MotoGP in Assen after recording the fastest time in qualifying on Friday.

The Italian, on a Yamaha, edged out Spanish duo Aleix Espargaro (Suzuki) and Marc Marquez (Honda).

Rossi is bidding this weekend to win at Assen for the seventh time and break the tie for six victories he currently holds with legendary Italian compatriot Giacomo Agostini.