Edwards expects a difficult race

The American rider took the last slot of the first row behind the sister privateer Tech 3 Yamaha of rookie James Toseland and the works Fiat Yamaha of debutant Jorge Lorenzo in pole.

All three bikes are fitted with Michelin tyres, while the Bridgestone-shod Ducati Marlboro of Casey Stoner will start right behind in fourth spot.

"We'll see how it goes in the race tomorrow," Edwards told Italia1 television. "Honestly James and I have been the last two in the speed charts all week, so tomorrow is gonna be difficult, that's for sure.

"We're gonna have to fight real hard to stay up in the front, but thanks to Yamaha and Michelin especially today - they've come through with the good tyres."

He added: "My Yamaha has been working fantastic, and the team has been working good obviously. We've got two Tech 3 Yamahas in the top three, so it's fantastic."

This his Edwards's first year with the Tech 3 team, having been Valentino Rossi's teammate in the works outfit last year.

After having demanded and obtained a switch to Bridgestone tyres this season, Rossi qualified down in seventh place.

Asked if Rossi made a mistake with his choice of rubber this year, Edwards replied: "I don't know, we'll see tomorrow!"