Spanish Yamaha rider Jorge Lorenzo shrugged off a spectacular practice crash to capture pole position Saturday for Sunday's MotoGP US Grand Prix at Laguna Seca Raceway. Lorenzo, who arrived Stateside chasing Australian Casey Stoner for the series points lead, clocked the fastest qualifying time of 1min 21.202sec, edging Stoner who was second-quickest in 1:21.274. Stoner's Honda teammate Dani Pedrosa of Spain was third-quickest, with Lorenzo's factory Yamaha teammate Ben Spies fourth. Lorenzo's second pole position of the season came after he was sent flying in the morning's third and final free practice. The Spaniard crashed following a practice start during his cool down lap and was tossed into the air. After a few moments on the ground, he was able to stand and make his way off the track. After a check-up in the medical center he was cleared for qualifying.
