Stoner: I can't believe it! + 3 High Res Pics

[R1 Biker]

Casey Stoner provided the biggest shock of the 2006 MotoGP season so far when - in only his second premier-class grand prix - he took his satellite spec Honda to pole position in Qatar.

Stoner, who won the 250cc race at the 3.343mile Losail International circuit last year, had warned of his intentions by leading two of the three free practice sessions prior to qualifying - and carried that sensational form into this afternoon's session, setting a stunning new lap record of 1minute 55.683seconds, despite suffering from flu and only arriving at the circuit at 8.00am on Thursday morning after plane breakdowns delayed his journey from Europe.

"I can't believe it! Especially after all the problems I had getting here, but it was certainly all worth it," said Stoner, who finished sixth on his MotoGP debut at Jerez in Spain two weeks ago. "I would never have imagined a couple of years ago that I would be in MotoGP on pole! I thought it was going to take me at least another couple of years to be in this kind of position.

"The team have done a great job, we've fine-tuned the bike well, and with the tyres we've had an excellent session, I was able to use the qualifiers better than in Jerez. I think it's too early to be talking about winning races, but if I finish in the top five I will be happy," he declared.

20 year old Stoner is now the second youngster rider to start a premier-class race from pole, the first being Freddie Spencer in 1982. Stoner is also the first Australian to start a premier-class race from pole for nearly six years, with the last Australian pole sitter, Garry McCoy, having gone on to win the Portuguese Grand Prix in 2000 - so the omens are good.

Casey will be joined on the front row by Jerez winner Loris Capirossi and Toni Elias - who were all separated by just 0.052secs this afternoon.