Misano MotoGP: Jorge Lorenzo rediscovers confidence and form

Jorge Lorenzo claimed his first front row start in ten races as he stormed to third in this afternoon’s qualifying session.

The Spaniard hasn’t been on the front row since scoring the last of his three pole positons at the third race in Estoril.

Since then he has blighted by a series of massive crashes and most recently by Michelin’s failure to provide competitive tyres.

But he roared back to form today with a best time of 1.33.964 which secured him a place alongside Casey Stoner and factory Yamaha team-mate Valentino Rossi on the front row.

“Straight from yesterday morning it’s clear that this track is a different situation for us. We’re struggling much less and my Michelin tyres are much more competitive again here, so thanks to them.

“I can ride in a good, flowing rhythm once more and my tyres are giving me the confidence that I need in order to go fast. It feels really good to be back on the front row again and I am very happy today.

“It is clear that to stay with Stoner and Valentino is going to be very hard, but the important thing is that we have been able to compete with them today and we’re in a good position to try again tomorrow.

“I’m still not thinking about results but I will just do my best and try to take a good rhythm”, said the double world 250 champion.