Valentino Rossi took pole position number four of the 2009 season on Saturday afternoon with the fastest lap of MotoGP qualifying at Donington Park. The Fiat Yamaha rider’s time of 1’28.116 gave him his first top spot for the British Grand Prix since 2005 –the last occasion in which he won at the Midlands track. MotoGP
Repsol Honda rider Dani Pedrosa was second fastest with an effort of 1:28.211 with Rossi’s teammate and nearest title challenger Jorge Lorenzo third.
Marlboro Ducati rider Casey Stoner - who has won the last two races at Donington - was fourth with Britain’s James Toseland ninth on his Tech 3 Yamaha.
Rossi said: “The pole position was a surprise because we were struggling for grip on the harder tyre but after a few modifications we were very fast on the softer tyre at the end. The Press Association
He suggested rain, a definite possibility on raceday, could well play a major part on Sunday.
Pedrosa was satisfied with his afternoon’s work.
“Front row is good, as we’ve not been there in the last few races so that’s important,” said the Honda rider.
The flamboyant Italian is targeting his 102 grand prix win at Donington. AFP
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