Stoner takes pole for Dutch MotoGP
Stoner races during the qualifying practice of the Dutch Grand Prix in Assen June 29, 2012. — Reuters picASSEN, June 29 — World champion Casey Stoner produced a sizzling lap late in a rain-interrupted qualifying session today to snatch pole position for this weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix in Assen.
The Australian Honda rider, who announced last month he would retire at the end of the season, recovered from a heavy crash in practice earlier to clock the fastest time of one minute 33.713 seconds, 0.115 quicker than team mate Dani Pedrosa.
Championship leader Jorge Lorenzo was third a further 0.173 behind.
Honda rookie Stefan Bradl will start fourth on the grid after a career-best qualifying performance while American Yamaha rider Ben Spies, who had been the quickest in the second free practice yesterday, could only manage sixth.
The session had been interrupted a number of times by rain showers.
Lorenzo leads the MotoGP standings with 140 points with Stoner second (115) and Pedrosa third (101). — Reuters
