Stoner takes brilliant pole for French GP

Australia’s former world champion Casey Stoner took pole position for today’s French MotoGP here yesterday the fourth time he has filled that position in the race. The 25-year-old 2007 world champion - who won the season opener in Qatar - led a Honda 1-2-3 in qualifying as he edged out two Italians, Marco Simoncelli and Andrea Dovizioso. Stoner had been outpaced in qualifying early on by Spanish star Dani Pedrosa - winner of the previous MotoGP in Portugal - but the Australian rallied to regain pole. Pedrosa will start from fourth position on another Honda while reigning world champion Jorge Lorenzo was fifth fastest on his Yamaha. Struggling seven-time world champion Valentino Rossi failed to sparkle in qualifying finishing ninth fastest on his Ducati. Germany’s Stefan Bradl rode his Kalex bike to the fastest time in qualifying for the Moto2 race, the overall title race leader and winner of the Portuguese GP timing 0.045sec faster than Swiss Thomas Luthi on a Suter. Earlier series leader Spaniard Nicolas Terol had sealed pole position for the 125cc race on his Aprilia ahead of compatriots and fellow Aprilia riders Hector Faubel and Maverick Vinales.

French Grand Prix contract extended to 2016

French Grand Prix promoters and MotoGP rights holders Dorna signed a five-year contract extension yesterday guaranteeing the country’s race to 2016. The Le Mans circuit hosts the race this weekend for the 10th year in a row. “The French Grand Prix has been steadily building on its success,” said Dorna Sports chief executive Carmelo Ezpeleta in a statement. “We are pleased to continue to work with (promoter) Claude (Michy) until 2016.”