Hayden determined to race with leaders

The Honda rider started from the same position at Motegi a week ago, but had to settle for fifth in the race as his pace faded. He ultimately finished 24 seconds behind the victorious Valentino Rossi in Japan, and had to fend off a queue of challengers in the final stages.

Having been rapid in qualifying ever since returning from his mid-season injury, Hayden said he was now determined to try and convert that single-lap speed into a more competitive race performance.

"I know it's going to be tough tomorrow, but I'll try to get a good start," he said.

"We need to try and sweep the bike up a little bit overnight, lean on my guys a little bit to help me and have a little bit of a talk with the rider, see if he can't find a little speed...

"I'll just try to get in there and not let these guys get away from me this week."

Like second-placed Jorge Lorenzo, Hayden was very surprised by Casey Stoner's late pole lap. The battle for the top spot had appeared to be a straight contest between Hayden and Lorenzo before Stoner beat them both with his final run.

"It's good to be on the front row, sure, but I've had a couple of pole positions here and I really thought with the way the Michelin qualifier and the bike were working, I'd have a good shot at it today," said Hayden.

"And I did - I gave it everything I had, but Casey just had a little bit more."

The American, who will leave Honda for Ducati at the end of 2008, has not started on pole position since Estoril last season, and is determined to do so again before he moves on.

"This season's winding down, it would be nice to at least get a pole before the season's over," said Hayden.