/world sport
(CNN) -- Defending world champion Casey Stoner claimed his fifth straight pole position in qualifying for Sunday's United States MotoGP at Laguna Seca, California.
Stoner is aiming for his fourth consecutive race victory in Sunday's U.S. MotoGP.
The Australian, who has won his last three races, broke his own lap record with a time of 1:21.70. If Stoner continues his winning streak from pole and sets the fastest lap of Sunday's race, he will become the first rider in 35 years to win four straight events while setting the fastest laps.
"I've always enjoyed coming here," said Stoner. "It's a very up-and-down circuit. It can be quite slippery, and that suits my style.
"This morning, things were not perfect, but the afternoon was obviously better. Things are looking good and I'll be checking everything in the morning warmup," added the Ducati rider.
Current championship leader Valentino Rossi will start next to Stoner, as the Italian seeks his first win at the seaside track despite his seven world title triumphs.
The Yamaha rider was second quickest in 1:21.147, while American Nicky Hayden (Honda) was third fastest with a time of 1:21.430.
Spain's Jorge Lorenzo, Briton James Toseland and France's Randy de Puniet will start from the second row of the grid.
Spain's Dani Pedrosa, second in the overall standings, withdrew from qualifying and Sunday's race as he nurses a broken wrist and injured ankle in a fall at the German Grand Prix.
The Honda rider had hoped his injuries would allow him to compete, and he completed both of Friday's free practice sessions before throwing in the towel.
Stoner will be going for his fourth straight victory from pole as he battles to narrow the gap on Rossi in the championship race.
Rossi, the only other rider to take five straight pole positions, leads Pedrosa by 16 points while Stoner is four points adrift of the Spaniard.
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