Stoner claims Laguna Seca pole

World championship leader Casey Stoner claimed pole position on his final qualifying lap for the US Grand Prix at Laguna Seca Raceway on Saturday night. The Australian, a five-time race winner this season who posted the top times in all three practice...

World championship leader Casey Stoner claimed pole position on his final qualifying lap for the US Grand Prix at Laguna Seca Raceway on Saturday night.

The Australian, a five-time race winner this season who posted the top times in all three practice sessions, steered his Ducati round in 1 minute 22.292 seconds at an average speed of 157.925kph.

Spain's Dani Pedrosa was second quickest for Honda, over two tenths in arrears, with Stoner's compatriot Chris Vermeulen third for Suzuki.

Stoner, who leads the world championship by 32 points from Yamaha's Valentino Rossi, claimed his third pole of the season, but has yet to win this campaign after starting from the front.

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