World champion Casey Stoner tops the pole for Sunday 's Catalunya Grand Prix in Spain . Australian Honda driver holds off series leaders Jorge Lorenzo and Cal Crutchlow of Britain . `` This morning we did a lot of work with the hard tire , so in the afternoon in these hot conditions , we worked more with the softer one to get a clearer understanding if we can run with it for race distance . American Ben Spies will lead the second row after qualifying fourth ahead of Brazil 's Dani ##lo . Two - time world champion Valentino Rossi back in ninth position for Ducati .
World champion Casey Stoner tops the pole for Sunday 's Catalunya Grand Prix in Spain . Australian Honda driver holds off series leaders Jorge Lorenzo and Cal Crutchlow of Britain . American Ben Spies will lead the second row after qualifying fourth ahead of Brazil 's Dani ##lo . Two - time world champion Valentino Rossi back in ninth position for Ducati .