The Spanish motorcycle racer Jorge Lorenzo has produced a storming late qualifying lap to pip Yamaha team mate Valentino Rossi to pole position for the Catalan MotoGP.
In sweltering conditions at Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya, the 22-year-old clocked a fastest time of 1:41:974 to beat the Italian world champion by 0.013 seconds and secure his third pole of 2009.
Championship leader Casey Stoner qualified third on his Ducati, 0.452 seconds behind Lorenzo.
The Australian Stoner leads the standings after five of the season's 17 races with 90 points, followed by Lorenzo on 86 and Rossi on 81.