A determined effort by the Bridgestone-shod Honda Gresini rider saw him left just 0.067 seconds off the pole time set by factory Honda rider Dani Pedrosa, with Ducati's world champion Casey Stoner sandwiched in between.

"I'm happy - we know that I have got a good race pace," declared Melandri. "A front row position on the grid is a good start for tomorrow. The bike is improving - I can get on the gas early and the speed down the straights is much better. The bike and tyres are working well together and this is a circuit I have always enjoyed. This is probably the first time we've had the right conditions to get the most out of it and I felt comfortable today. I had fun and now I feel confident about the race. It will be tough and demanding on both the tyres and our physical condition. It's really hot here - like going from full winter in Australia to full summer in Malaysia!"

Team-mate Toni Elias also enjoyed a good day at the track, securing eighth place and making a tyre choice he is happy with for tomorrow's penultimate round of the 2007 season.

"We've done a good job today, together with the team. The bike setting has improved and we were able to do some good tyre tests. We have chosen our tyre for the race after running it in both sessions," confirmed the currently unsigned Spaniard. "Unfortunately I didn't get a better starting position because I ran out of time on my second qualifying lap. It will be important to get a good start tomorrow to try and stick it out with the lead group."