Friday, 27th June 2008

MotoGP world champion Casey Stoner takes third pole position in a row at Assen despite a stiff attack from Dani Pedrosa and Valentino Rossi.

"This is my third pole position in a row so it shows the great job being done by everybody at Ducati and especially at Bridgestone, who have made great steps forward with their qualifying rubber this season so congratulations to them," concluded Stoner, looking to further reduce a 45 point deficit to Rossi in the standings.

Meanwhile, if Stoner thought he had problems, perhaps he needed to look over at Ducati Marlboro team-mate Marco Melandri. The Italian qualified 17th and last, almost one second behind 16th fastest Anthony West, and was almost lost for words.

"I don't know what to say, other than that I am extremely disappointed to be in a position that doesn't correspond to my ability, or clearly that of the bike," sighed Marco. "We're all trying so hard but we just can't find a solution to our problems and it's going to be a very tough race tomorrow."

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The question is fast becoming when, not if, Melandri will split from Ducati.

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