Lorenzo admits he expected pole

The Yamaha rider held provisional pole going into the final moments after coming out on top of a very close battle with Nicky Hayden by just 0.022 seconds.

But then both were demoted when Stoner jumped up to the front with a 1:28.665 lap, 0.069 seconds faster than Lorenzo, who failed to beat the former champion with his own last lap.

"I expected pole position," Lorenzo said. "At the end it wasn't possible because Casey did an amazing lap, and I asked for some settings and didn't get it."

The Spaniard, who started on pole at Motegi last week but slipped to fourth in the race as his Michelin tyres failed to keep pace with the top three's Bridgestones, remains confident for tomorrow's race. He won twice at Phillip Island during his 250cc career.

"I feel great with the track and with the bike, so I have a good pace," said Lorenzo. "Anyway for the race I am optimistic, I think we can do a good show."

Lorenzo made a spectacular start to his MotoGP career by taking three pole positions and one victory in his first three races in the series, only to lose momentum after a series of crashes and injuries mid-season.

He has regained form in recent weeks, however, returning to the podium at Misano and Indianapolis, and taking pole in Japan.