No complacency from pole man Lorenzo

World Championship leader Jorge Lorenzo will go for his first ever Laguna Seca win from prime position on the grid on Sunday thanks to a fantastic qualifying performance at the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix, as he secured his fifth straight pole of the 2010 campaign.

The Fiat Yamaha rider, who holds a 47-point advantage going into the round nine race, came out on top in a close contest with Casey Stoner in the hour-long session. His time of 1’20.978 was the only sub-1’21” of the weekend so far, and the 23 year-old assessed what had been an intense qualifying.

"Pole position isn't the race but it does help so I'm really happy to have got this fifth pole,” said Lorenzo, who also started last year’s race from top spot on the grid. “Everyone is working very well and this shows it once again. I didn't think it would be possible today because Casey was so fast but I decided to give it a try and pushed as hard as I could and here we are!”

Lorenzo foresees a tough encounter in the race especially given Stoner’s pace and Dani Pedrosa’s consistent recent form, and he is targeting a continuation of his 100% podium record so far this season.

“I don't know what to expect tomorrow, it will be a hard race for sure because Dani and Casey are very strong, but we will do the best we can to fight to the end and at least make the podium. I'm excited because it's always a special race here with a great atmosphere," concluded Lorenzo.