Phillip Island, 4 October 2008: Qualifying for the Grand Prix of Australia was run in dry conditions today with ambience temperature of 18°C (the asphalt temperature rose up to 30°C) and the LCR Honda MotoGP rider Randy De Puniet made solid progress ending the day 4th gaining the second row for the ninth time this season.

After yesterday’s good performance in the dry (5th position), the Frenchman aboard the Michelin-shod Honda RC212V set impressive lap times in the afternoon qualifying at the 4.448 km race track clocking his quickest lap time of 1’28.808 less than one tenth off the front row time. Randy is the second placed Honda in the grid for tomorrow’s 27 lap-race that gets underway at 16:00 local time.
Pole position was claimed by Stoner on Ducati followed by Lorenzo and Hayden.

De Puniet – 4th: “I am very happy about the result and the job we made for tomorrow’s race. We tested different rear race tyres with good results but we still have to make our choice for the race. However my pace was consistently fast and I can say that we have got the potential to finish in the top eight positions. I feel satisfied about my performance on Q-tyres and missed the front row for one tenth only but this 4th place is a very positive result for me and the crew”.


Qualifying Practice:

1 Stoner (1’28.665)
2 Lorenzo (1’28.734)
3 Hayden (1’28.756)
4 De Puniet (1'29.808)
5 Toseland (1'29.031)
6 Pedrosa (1’29.277)
7 Edwards (1’29.513)
8 Dovizioso (1’29.558)
9 Nakano (1’29.710)
10 De Angelis (1’29.925)
11 Capirossi (1’29.942)
12 Rossi (1’30.014)
13 Elias (1’30.202)
14 Guintoli (1’30.297)
15 Vermeulen (1’30.545)
16 Hopkins (1'31.157)
17 Melandri (1’31.939)
18 West (1’31.995)