Factory Yamaha star Jorg𒅌e Lorenzo says he was 'surprised' by title rival Casey Stoner's last-gasp pole-snatching lap at As♔sen, but the Spaniard is more than satisfied with his front row position.

Lorenzo, who leads the title charge and is bidding to win four ꦇMotoGP races on the bounce for the first time in his career, sealed the third faﷺstest time on his YZR-M1 today.

Qualifying was hit by mixed weather and rain halted the final session before Repsol Honda's Stoner returned to theꦜ track to snatch pole.

However, Lorenzo is looking very strong in terms of race pace and looks the man to beat iꦆn Saturday's grand prix.

"I trieꦰd my best in the la♑st lap of qualifying but I made a little mistake in the last chicane on braking and lost a few tenths," he said.

"I was surprised at Casey's last lap; it was fantastic and so fast and Dani [Pedrosa] was also very close to him.

"We have a good position for tomorrow on the front row and we have a good race pace and I'm confident with the b𓆏ike so I'm happy," he added.

"Quali💮fying is one thing but the race is another, tyrওe choice will be important for the race."