Casey Stoner says only now does he feel comfortable on his Honda

As has been the case on numerous occasions in 2011, championship leader Stoner claimed he was far from happy with the grip afforded by his RCV212 after the first two practice sessions - despite going fastest in each.

However, he was much happier with the situation after also topping Saturday practice and then taking pole by half a second from his championship rival Jorge Lorenzo.

"We struggled big time on Friday, mostly because the conditions were so different compared to last year," said the Australian. "It was fast, but not particularly comfortable.

"Today we got the bike much more comfortable and it was much better. We still need a bit more grip from the rear, but it's the same situation for everyone. I'm happy to be riding here and riding well, so we'll just see how it goes with the weather tomorrow."

Stoner, who has won his home grand prix for the past four years - all for Ducati - heads Lorenzo by 40 points in the world championship with 75 still available.

He will become champion for the second time on Sunday if he finishes the race with a 50-point advantage over the Spaniard. His most likely route to this is by winning with Lorenzo finishing off the podium.