Lorenzo celebrates 'special' pole

The Yamaha rider, who currently leads the MotoGP championship, beat compatriot Dani Pedrosa to the top spot for their home race after a thrilling battle that Lorenzo said was all the more satisfying given that it took place on his home ground.

"It's always good to get the pole position here in my country," he said. "It's special for a Spanish rider. This position is the best we can get."

Lorenzo had only been fourth in practice on Friday, 0.7 seconds off his team-mate Valentino Rossi's pace, but was in much better shape today.

"Yesterday we had some problems, but today we resolved all of them and now we are more competitive and pushing on for tomorrow," he said.

The Spaniard added that the strong wind at Jerez today had hampered him, but that he had been able to overcome it.

"For sure with this wind it has been difficult to ride the bike, mainly on the exit of the corners because there is a lot of wind," Lorenzo told the BBC. "It's hard to go fast, but in the end with the soft tyre I managed to do a good lap."