Spain's Dani Pedrosa will start from pole position at the Malaysian MotoGP after going fastest in qualifying.

Pedrosa went round the Sepang circuit in 2:01.877, with Australian Casey Stoner - who clinched the world title last month - second in 2:01.918.

Former world champion Valentino Rossi of Italy was down in ninth place with a time of 2:02.466.

"(The track) was a bit slippery but we have a good position for race day," said Pedrosa.

Stoner, who has never won in Malaysia, said: "I think the race is looking good. The bike is working well.

"I think I could have gone faster except for some bumps on the track that affects the electronic system on the bike."

Malaysian MotoGP qualifying, Sepang

1. Dani Pedrosa, Spain, Honda, 2:01.877
2. Casey Stoner, Australia, Ducati, 2:01.918
3. Marco Melandri, Italy, Honda, 2:01.944
4. Randy De Puniet, France, Kawasaki, 2:02.107
5. Anthony West, Australia, Kawasaki, 2:02.202
6. Nicky Hayden, USA, Honda, 2:02.225
7. Chris Vermeulen, Australia, Suzuki, 2:02.301
8. Toni Elias, Spain, Honda, 2:02.432
9. Valentino Rossi, Italy, Yamaha, 2:02.466
10. John Hopkins, USA, Suzuki, 2:02.697
    

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