I missed the QP session transmission in the morning, so, I didn’t browse any Motorsports websites to indicate who got the pole, and who qualified where on the grid. I just finished the repeat telecast of qualifying on Star Sports, and Stoner did it again. It’s a new record, I guess, securing 10 pole positions (in 15 races so far), in one season, a great achievement indeed.
However, I think, Lorenzo would have been surprised by his own pace in the qualifying as he got onto the front row, but still sandwitched between the two Hondas (the other one being Dovizioso’s).
I would say that I saw an improvement in Rossi-Ducati package, he did a great qualifying, and did good in free practice as well. Rossi, though missed out on the second row, but still out-qualified Hayden. Rossi did run-off the track at the end of the session, which didn’t help. But still, I think, he feels lot better/comfortable with the bike. Is he running a full-aluminium chassis this weekend? The commentators say that he has been experimenting with rider’s position on the Ducati, improving the feeling with the front step by step.
Only Dani Pedrosa might challenge him for the win tomorrow, but he couldn’t qualify on the front row, but fourth for him, is as good as the front row – we all know that 
. Stoner has 284 points in 14 races, and 4 races are still left. He could amass 100 points (4 wins) to acheive the highest points tally (surpassing 381 set by Lorenzo last year, who beat 373 points tally set by Rossi in 2008). So, there are still a couple of records he can break this season.
We could have a cracking race tomorrow. Stay tuned for Motegi race. By the way, is there any radiation caution in Motegi? Everything seems at the optimum level, I guess.
I predict Casey Stoner for the win, and Rossi for a top-five finish. Lorenzo would be on the podium, in my opinion.
For full QP results, visit MotoGP.com.
Arnold
http://arnold.speedattackers.com
Interesting read – Give Rossi a break!
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