Lorenzo shrugs off missing pole

The winner of last month's Japanese GP, who today was just 0.005 seconds behind Honda's Dani Pedrosa in pole position, hopes for a good start of the race and for the weather to stay dry at Le Mans.

"I was tiny bit unlucky on that last lap, and we were so very close so it's a pity," said Lorenzo.

"Anyway the important thing is that we're on the first row and now we can try to get the good start that we need.

"I felt strong on the bike today and I was able to make a lot of consistent laps this afternoon, so I am happy about the shape we're in for the race.

"I really hope that the weather is the same tomorrow and I am looking forward to the race and to getting a good result, like last year here."

Lorenzo scored a second place at Le Mans in 2008, despite falling to the back of the field at the start and racing with injuries to both legs.