Spain's Sete Gibernau led home a Ducati one-two to grab pole position for the Italian motorcycling Grand Prix at Mugello.
The Spaniard set a new unofficial lap record of one minute 48.969 seconds to snatch pole from team-mate Loris Capirossi, with fellow Italian and seven-time world champion Valentino Rossi third.
Championship leader Nicky Hayden of the United States lines up fourth on his Repsol Honda with Japan's Shinya Nakano finishing fifth.
It was the 32rd pole position for Gibernau and his first since the former Honda rider's arrival at Ducati this season.
'It's my first victory. I needed it to boost my confidence and for Ducati who have supported me. It's special to be on pole here,' said Gibernau who also took pole here in 2004 before finishing second to Rossi.
Capirossi was delighted to be on the front row as he bids to win at home like he did when riding for Honda in 2000.
Rossi said: 'It's a good result, a good performance. The Ducatis are faster but we're very close. I'm happy to start on the front row in front of my friends and fans.'
The Yahama rider is favourite after winning the last four races at Mugello.
