Reigning 250cc champion Jorge Lorenzo made a sensational MotoGP qualifying debut, by taking pole position for the Qatar Grand Prix.

Lorenzo snatch pole from reigning World Superbike champion James Toseland at the end of qualifications

American Colin Edwards finished third to make it a full Yamaha-Michelin package in the front row. The fourth Yamaha, the one fitted with Bridgestone tyres as demanded by seven-time champion Valentino Rossi, qualified in a disappointing seventh place, 1.2 seconds behind Lorenzo.

The top Bridgestone runner was Reigning MotoGP champion Casey Stoner, who had to settle for fourth fastest with his Marlboro Ducati.

Pos Rider Make Time

1. Jorge Lorenzo Yamaha 1:53.927
2. James Toseland Yamaha 1:54.182 + 0.255
3. Colin Edwards Yamaha 1:54.499 + 0.572
4. Casey Stoner Ducati 1:54.733 + 0.806
5. Randy de Puniet Honda 1:54.818 + 0.891
6. Nicky Hayden Honda 1:54.880 + 0.953
7. Valentino Rossi Yamaha 1:55.133 + 1.206
8. Daniel Pedrosa Honda 1:55.170 + 1.243
9. Andrea Dovizioso Honda 1:55.185 + 1.258
10. John Hopkins Kawasaki 1:55.263 + 1.336
11. Chris Vermeulen Suzuki 1:55.540 + 1.613
12. Alex de Angelis Honda 1:55.692 + 1.765
13. Loris Capirossi Suzuki 1:56.070 + 2.143
14. Toni Elias Ducati 1:56.251 + 2.324
15. Shinya Nakano Honda 1:56.434 + 2.507
16. Marco Melandri Ducati 1:56.730 + 2.803
17. Sylvain Guintoli Ducati 1:57.198 + 3.271
18. Anthony West Kawasaki 1:57.445 + 3.518