VALENCIA - CASEY Stoner was fastest in qualifying on Saturday for the Valencia Grand Prix.

The Australian rider, who won here last year, will start from pole position after setting a quickest lap time of 1 minute, 32.256 seconds around the Cheste circuit on his Ducati bike.

Honda rider Dani Pedrosa will start second at the season-ending race on Sunday ahead of Yamaha pair Jorge Lorenzo and season champion Valentino Rossi.

Rossi has already clinched the championship while Lorenzo can finish second by picking up at least one point.

In the 125cc category, champion Julian Simon of Spain will start from pole position after edging Simone Corsi of Italy for the top qualifying time. -- AP