MotoGP championship leader Casey Stoner secured his eighth pole position of the season yesterday, while local favourite Valentino Rossi was a disappointing 11th.

Stoner clocked 1 minute, 33.138 seconds on his Honda at the San Marino and Rimini Riviera Grand Prix, breaking the Australian's own lap record set at the Misano circuit three years ago.

Spaniards Jorge Lorenzo and Dani Pedrosa were second and third respectively.

Lorenzo timed 1:33.258 and Pedrosa finished in 1:33.318.

Rossi, the seven-time champion from Italy who has struggled with Ducati this season, timed 1:34.676.

With five races remaining after this weekend and wins worth 25 points each, Stoner holds a 44-point lead over Lorenzo in the standings.

Stefan Bradl of Germany led Moto2 qualifying and Johann Zarco of France took his second pole of the season in 125cc.