Casey Stoner and the Honda LCR team are confident of a strong showing in tomorrow’s Catalunya Grand Prix following today’s closely contested qualifying session. After finishing the final free practice session with the fastest time, Stoner finished eighth in qualifying. However the in-form Australian rookie is unconcerned about his third row starting spot for the 25 lap race.

On race tyres, Stoner was impressive and he was one of the fastest riders during today’s two hours of practice and qualifying, with his Honda RC211V topping the speed trap chart at 334 kph. This afternoon Stoner did not gain maximum benefit from the one-lap, soft compound qualifying tyre and his fastest lap of 1’42.344 was just one tenth of a second faster than his best on race tyres in practice.

Stoner was one of eight riders within 0.5s of pole position. Qualifying conditions were sunny and warm, with a track temperature of 46 degrees.

“On balance, today’s result is very positive especially in terms of Casey’s potential in the race. He was fastest in practice and in race trim he is very consistent and his qualifying position will not affect his chances of challenging for the podium. Both Casey and the team did a very good job today.”

“I’m relaxed about today and I’m not bothered that I’m not starting closer to the front, I have a very strong race set-up. On the qualifying tyre I didn’t have a good feeling and it’s easier to make up some positions at the start of the race. We found a big step with the rear-end and race tyre set-up today which has improved rear grip. I’m going to race with the standard 16.5 inch front tyre, the new front tyre I tried yesterday still lacks some braking stability although it has better mid-corner feel.”