Qatar MotoGP: Casey Stoner takes first pole of 2009

Factory Ducati rider Casey Stoner will start from the front tomorrow after setting the fastest lap during qualifying in Qatar.

The Australian dominated the session, consistently setting the fastest time throughout. Fiat Yamaha rider Valentino Rossi came closest to Stoner, but couldn’t manage to beat his time, having to settle for second.

American Nicky Hayden will start from 16th on the grid after suffering a massive crash in the dying moments of the session.

Lone Brit James Toseland will start the race from 13th on the grid.

1. Casey Stoner AUS Ducati Marlboro Team 1min 55.286 sec
2. Valentino Rossi ITA Fiat Yamaha Team 1min 55.759 sec
3. Jorge Lorenzo SPA Fiat Yamaha Team 1min 55.783 sec
4. Andrea Dovizioso ITA Repsol Honda Team 1min 55.977 sec
5. Loris Capirossi ITA Rizla Suzuki MotoGP 1min 56.149 sec
6. Colin Edwards USA Monster Yamaha Tech 3 1min 56.194 sec
7. Randy de Puniet FRA LCR Honda MotoGP 1min 56.358 sec
8. Chris Vermeulen AUS Rizla Suzuki MotoGP 1min 56.493 sec
9. Alex de Angelis RSM San Carlo Honda Gresini 1min 56.790 sec
10. Mika Kallio FIN Pramac Racing 1min 56.852 sec
11. Marco Melandri ITA Hayate Racing Team 1min 56.962 sec
12. Toni Elias SPA San Carlo Honda Gresini 1min 57.225 sec
13. James Toseland GBR Monster Yamaha Tech 3 1min 57.510 sec
14. Dani Pedrosa SPA Repsol Honda Team 1min 57.729 sec
15. Sete Gibernau SPA Grupo Francisco Hernando 1min 57.899 sec
16. Nicky Hayden USA Ducati Marlboro Team 1min 58.215 sec
17. Yuki Takahashi JPN Scot Racing Team MotoGP 1min 58.784 sec
18. Niccolo Canepa ITA Pramac Racing 1min 58.999 sec