Spies stunned to be on front row

The Tech 3 Yamaha rider was only beaten to pole by Dani Pedrosa late in the session.

"My goal was to be on the second row and I didn't think the front row was possible, let alone a pole position, so I'm really happy," Spies said.

"From the start of the weekend every change we have made to the bike has been better and that doesn't usually happen. I had a decent pace so I was confident I could have a good qualifying.

"When we put the second soft tyre in I got into first position and I thought people would go faster. I did a really good time at the end but when I saw I was still up there I thought, 'I could do this.'

"Dani did a good job and I didn't have those last three tenths anyway and the time I set was a good time for me. It would have been nice to have a pole position but at this point just being on the middle of the front row is a great result for the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team and myself."

He said his aim for the race was simply to stay among the lead pack.

"I'll try and get a good start and if I can latch on to those guys for the first six or seven laps I can put together a good race," said Spies. "I've struggled in the first few laps in some races but here I've been able to get into a fast rhythm pretty quick, so I'm looking forward to it.

"This is just qualifying but it gives you confidence for the race. I've had a podium in my first full season and a front row is another box ticked and that's very satisfying for me."