Marc Márquez defied difficult conditions to secure a place on the front row of the grid for the season-ending 125cc Valencia Grand Prix.
Despite a blustery wind, the Repsol rider was fourth fastest in qualifying behind Bradley Smith, Bancaja Aspar and world champion Julián Simón, who will start on pole.
He said of his time of 1minute 41.991seconds: “It went better than I expected... Starting fourth, from the front row, is really good, so we'll see if I can get a good start and be in the front group
“I think that Julián Simón is very strong and could break away from the group, and we'll try and be as far out in front as possible, with the idea of finishing the race. If we finish in the first five, I'll be happy.”
Meanwhile, Alex Debon is expected to race in the final 250cc Grand Prix ever after suffering a suspected broken rib following a crash.
The Spaniard, who will be on pole after recording the best lap of 1min 36.116sec, lost the back end of his bike in turn one as qualifying was coming to an end.
Series leader Hiroshi Aoyama was only fifth fastest in qualifying while title rival Marco Simoncelli was second quickest, just 0.344 seconds off the pace.
The Red Bull rider from Japan, who has a 21-point advantage over reigning champion Simoncelli, needs just five points to be crowned the final 250cc champion.
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