Mahindra in the front row for German Grand Prix

The Portuguese teenager placed third, two short of his maiden pole position two weeks ago at Assen, but his third front-row start in succession.

Team-mate Efren Vazquez qualified seventh, heading the third row, but frustrated that another rider had baulked his last-lap effort to claim his first front-row of the year.

The Spaniard finished Saturday's first day of free practice third overall, proving his potential as he regains strength after earlier injury.