We have cold and cloudy conditions here in Monterey, California, but the MotoGP riders should have a sunny race this afternoon. Jorge Lorenzo will be leading the field from the pole position, while Casey Stoner and Dani Pedrosa give chase from the front row.
The Front Row - Jorge Lorenzo, Casey Stoner, and Dani Pedrosa have all taken a win at Laguna Seca.
Jorge Lorenzo - Lorenzo took his third consecutive pole position at Laguna Seca, but only his second pole position of 2011. Lorenzo had a big crash during the final free practice session and looked a little banged up during the press conference after qualifying. Even though pain didn't seem to slow down Lorenzo yesterday, we'll see if he can put together 32 laps.
Dani Pedrosa scored his first front row start at Laguna since 2007.
Casey Stoner scored his 9th front row start of the season. Stoner, who leads the series with 168 points, 15 more than Jorge Lorenzo, has only missed the front row once this season.
Ben Spies will be leading the second row. Spies, who took his first win of 2011 at the Dutch TT, hasn't returned to the podium since his victory.
Valentino Rossi equalled his best qualifying position of the year with a 7th place finish in qualifying. Rossi is just over a second off of Lorenzo's pace.
Honda vs. Yamaha - Heading into today's race, Honda and Yamaha both have 65 victories during the 4-stroke MotoGP era. Lorenzo and Spies will try to tip the balance into Yamaha's favor this afternoon, while Stoner, Pedrosa, and Dovizioso will be trying to put their Hondas onto the top of the podium.
The MotoGP race will be at 2:00 today at the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. You can get live updates from the MotoGP action here, or check out some photos of the MotoGP riders in California here.
