/world sport
PHILLIP ISLAND, Australia -- Spaniard Dani Pedrosa disappointed the home crowd by relegating newly- crowned world champion Casey Stoner from pole position for Sunday's Australian MotoGP at Phillip Island.
Pedrosa looks the man to beat going into Sunday's Australian MotoGP at Phillip Island.
Pedrosa recorded a time of one minute 29.2 seconds on his Honda to take head the grid, 0.21 seconds faster than five-times world champion Valentino Rossi on a Yamaha.
Local favorite Stoner, who clinched the world title two weeks ago in Japan, will join Pedrosa and Rossi on the front row on Sunday after finishing third fastest on his Ducati, 0.61 off the pace.
Stoner led qualifying early on Saturday before Pedrosa secured the fastest lap late in the session. Pedrosa's time was two-tenths of a second slower than the lap record set last year by American Nicky Hayden.
Hayden, who won the world title in 2006, will start from fourth position on his Honda.
Pedrosa, currently third in the championship behind Stoner, was claiming his third pole position of the season.
"It was a good lap time, I think it's my best time at this track," said Pedrosa. "We improved from the first qualifier to the second, so I'm happy. The top three riders are on the front row, so we'll have to see." E-mail to a friend 
| Most Viewed | Most Emailed |
From the Blogs: 
Sit tight, we're getting to the good stuff
