Pole for Stoner

Casey Stoner took the pole position in the US Grand Prix qualifying session at Laguna Seca. The Australian, who won the US Grand Prix from pole last year, bettered his own lap record before setting a time of one minute, 20.700 seconds. It was a significant 1.5secs faster than the previous best. Valentino Rossi, who is confirmed to be staying with Yamaha for at least two more seasons, came second while American Nicky Hayden will complete the front row.