Marquez fastest in MotoGP qualifying in Germany
July 13, 2013 -- Updated 2056 GMT (0456 HKT)
Marc Marquez is eyeing first place in the MotoGP standings with two of his main rivals injured.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
- Marc Marquez posts the fastest time in qualifying for the German Grand Prix
- In his rookie season in MotoGP, Marquez has a chance to take the lead in the standings
- Valentino Rossi is on the front row for the first time in nearly 1,000 days
- Reigning world champion Jorge Lorenzo misses the race and Dani Pedrosa is questionable
(CNN) -- With both of his major rivals injured, Marc Marquez has a chance to take the lead in the MotoGP standings after the German Grand Prix.
Given he is starting on pole, the rookie is likely the favorite in Sunday's race.
Marquez would leapfrog Honda teammate Dani Pedrosa by two points if he wins in eastern Germany and the latter doesn't start.
Pedrosa is questionable after injuring his left shoulder in practice earlier Saturday and missing qualifying, while reigning world champion Jorge Lorenzo has already been ruled out with his own left shoulder injury.
Read: Lorenzo in heavy crash
Pedrosa was taken to hospital, where tests revealed he suffered a minor fracture.
"It showed there was a slight crack and fracture in the collarbone, but not a break, so that is a big relief to Dani and all the team," Honda spokesman Rhys Edwards told MotoGP's official website. "Now it is up to Dani to see how he feels tonight."
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Lorenzo broke his collarbone in practice for the Dutch Grand Prix last month and suffered more damage Friday when he crashed in practice in Germany.
He underwent further surgery in Barcelona.
Marquez wasn't one of those falling victim to the Sachsenring -- although he has seen his share of crashes this season.
He clocked a time of one minute, 21.311 seconds Saturday to beat Yamaha pair Cal Crutchlow -- himself nursing a hand injury -- and a revitalized Valentino Rossi.
Read: Rossi ends drought
"From the beginning I have felt quite good here," Marquez said. "We did a very good job. I feel quite good with the bike and the rhythm is not so bad.
"I think tomorrow Cal and Valentino will be ready to fight for the victory."
Nine-time world champion Rossi won his first race in three years at the Dutch Grand Prix and by finishing third in qualifying in Germany, finds himself starting on the front row for the first time since 2010.
"I'm very happy," said Rossi. "From one side not a lot because first was very close, but the target was to come back to the front row and I was able to."
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