Pedrosa pleased to be back on pole

The Repsol Honda rider vaulted to the top spot on the French Grand Prix grid with his final lap of the session today, usurping long-time provisional pole-sitter Colin Edwards.

"It was a good qualifying, because in China we had some problems with the tyres in the qualifying session and I couldn't do a good lap time, but this time I did well I think and we are on pole for the first time this year," Pedrosa said.

"I think it's especially important at this track because the lap times are quite close."

He is expecting a tough race tomorrow, with fellow front row starters Edwards and Casey Stoner having also been competitive all weekend.

The weather will be another factor, as rain has threatened throughout the meeting so far, without falling on a MotoGP session yet.

"Tomorrow the race will be difficult - I think many riders can go fast," Pedrosa said.

"Also, we have to wait for the weather.

"We have to improve the setting of our bike a little bit more, but we are looking good."

Pedrosa has finished on the podium in every race so far this year, including a win in Spain, and is currently seven points ahead of Jorge Lorenzo in the championship.