Unstoppable Stoner takes pole
2008-06-21 19:28
Donington - World champion Casey Stoner was unstoppable in qualifying at a rain-soaked Donington on Saturday to take pole position for Sunday's British Grand Prix.
The Australian, fastest in Friday's practice, pipped Valentino Rossi and Chris Vermeulen to clock 1min 38.232sec. American duo Nicky Hayden and Colin Edwards came home next.
Stoner clocked up the 12th pole position of his career and his second of the season after starting first at the Catalunya Grand Prix.
Stoner badly needs a win to kick-start the defence of his world title. He currently trails Rossi by 50 points and has only won once this season, at Qatar in March.
But it was disappointment for Brit James Toseland, who will start Sunday's race in 16th place after taking a tumble during qualifying.
Grid positions for Sunday's British Grand Prix following qualifying:
1. Casey Stoner (AUS) Ducati 1min 38.232sec, 2. Valentino Rossi (ITA) Yamaha at 0.649sec, 3. Chris Vermeulen (USA) Suzuki 0.786, 4. Nicky Hayden (USA) Honda 1.038, 5. Colin Edwards (USA) Yamaha 1.369, 6. Andrea Dovizioso (ITA) Honda 1.551, 7. Anthony West (AUS) Kawasaki 1.763, 8. Ben Spies (USA) Suzuki 2.012, 9. Dani Pedrosa (ESP) Honda 2.118, 10. Shinya Nakano (JPN) Honda 2.185
Selected: 12. Sylvain Guintoli (FRA) Ducati 2.363, 14. Randy De Puniet (FRA) Honda 2.878, 16. James Toseland (GBR) Yamaha 3.519, 17. Jorge Lorenzo (ESP) Yamaha 3.641
- AFP