Valentino Rossi will start Sunday's Catalunya
MotoGP from the back of the third row, in ninth.
The Ducati star reverted back to the carbon fibre swingarm on Saturday, after running a new aluminum design on day one, and ended the one-hour qualifying session 0.880s behind Honda's Casey Stoner.
“I'm pretty pleased because we improved the bike's setup and we made the third row, which was our goal for today, even if I really lose a lot in the last part of the track, especially on entry in the last two corners,” said Rossi.
“Anyway, we can also be pretty satisfied with our race pace because I was able to ride well and consistently, even on a used tyre.
“The forecasts say it could rain tomorrow, and of course we know that we can do well in the wet, although it could also be good for us even if we just get a bit cooler temperatures.”
Rossi claimed his best Ducati result yet with second place in the wet at the previous Le Mans round.
Team-mate
Nicky Hayden qualified seventh. Both factory Desmosedici riders are using revised electronics this weekend.