World Champion Lorenzo in control with Le Mans pole

Jorge Lorenzo's name in the 250cc pole position slot makes for familiar reading and the in-form Spaniard will start tomorrow's Alice Grand Prix de France at the front of the grid again after another excellent qualifying performance this afternoon at Le Mans.

Jorge Lorenzo's name in the 250cc pole position slot makes for familiar reading and the in-form Spaniard will start tomorrow's Alice Grand Prix de France at the front of the grid again after another excellent qualifying performance this afternoon at Le Mans.

The 20 year-old Fortuna Aprilia rider chipped a notable 1.136s off his best Friday time, which had seen him provisionally second overnight, to earn the fourth pole of his title defence. His time also knocked 0.975s off the previous circuit best lap which he himself set in practice this morning.

Having missed pole just once this season in Turkey - where he started and finished the race in second position - Lorenzo has won the other three races of the year, meaning today's result is an ominous sign for the competitors currently trying to keep up with him.

Lorenzo's best time this afternoon was 0.529s quicker than his closest rival Julian Simon of Repsol Honda, the young Spaniard producing his best qualifying performance since his move up from 125cc racing.

Completing the front row are Team Toth Aprilia's Hector Barbera and last year's 125cc race winner Thomas Luthi of Emmi – Caffe Latte Aprilia.

Master – Mapfre Aspar rider Alvaro Bautista's presence in fifth on the grid, just ahead of team-mate Alex de Angelis, means there are four Spaniards in the first five starting positions.

Meanwhile, Italian pair Marco Simoncelli (Metis Gilera) and Andrea Dovizioso (Kopron Team Scot) complete the second row.

Provisional pole man Mika Kallio was one of only two riders amongst the 24 qualifiers failing to improve his Friday time, meaning he starts tomorrow's race in ninth position.