Fifth Pole in a Row for Stoner, Melandri Looking Good in Race Trim

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Press Release Issued By Ducati MotoGP Press (July 19, 2008)

Casey Stoner collected his fifth consecutive pole position at Laguna Seca today, equalling a MotoGP record held by Valentino Rossi who, along with Nicky Hayden, will join the Australian on the front row for tomorrow's US Grand Prix.

Stoner became the first and only rider ever to lap inside 1'21 at the Californian circuit, using his third qualifying tyre to set a stunning time of 1'20.700.

Marco Melandri was unfortunately unable to carry his good from over the three free practice sessions into qualifying, although his constantly improving pace on race tyres makes him optimistic of his chances in tomorrow's race.

CASEY STONER (Ducati MotoGP Team) Pole Position, 1'20.700

"I'm happy with how we're looking in race trim and with the fact we're on pole again. I didn't manage to get the most out of the first two qualifiers because the front tyre, which is working perfectly with the race rear, was a bit too soft for the qualifying and I wasn't confident enough push it 100%. With the third one I gave it my best shot and we've come out with another pole. Congratulations to the team, who are working as hard as always, and Bridgestone for another fantastic job."

MARCO MELANDRI (Ducati MotoGP Team) 15th: 1'22.957

"I'm disappointed not to have taken advantage of two great days' work with a better time on a qualifier. We tried a few different tyres this afternoon but I couldn't get the same feeling on them that I had this morning and we lost a bit of time. But for the race tomorrow I'm confident we can recover because we know we can be faster than we showed today."

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