Jorge Lorenzo made it three pole positions in as many MotoGP races after setting the fastest qualifying time in Portugal.
The Fiat Yamaha rider will start from pole position at Estoril after making his debut at the circuit in fine style ahead of tomorrow's third race of the season.
The reigning 250cc world champion was quickest by the end of the final qualifying session by 0.233 seconds from current championship leader Dani Pedrosa on the Repsol Honda.
Lorenzo will be bidding to improve on second and third places in his previous two MotoGP starts to date while Pedrosa will be out to build on his win last time out at Jerez in Spain.
Lorenzo's team-mate Valentino Rossi completed the front row of the grid with the third best qualifying time after being among the top four for the whole of the weekend's timed sessions.
Pedrosa's team-mate Nicky Hayden will head row two as Tech 3 Yamaha team-mates Colin Edwards and James Toseland filled the next two qualifying places.
For Toseland it was a day to celebrate as he also agreed an extension to his contract which will see him with the same team again next season.
Reigning champion Casey Stoner continued his recent struggles as he was only ninth quickest on the Marlboro Ducati.
A delighted Lorenzo said: 'Each pole position has felt like a dream and I can't believe I am here again.
'I am very proud to have a record like this and in fact I'm especially happy to have qualified in front here because this track has always been quite difficult for me and I've never been on pole at it before.'
Lorenzo, a bitter rival of fellow Spaniard Pedrosa, will be looking for his first MotoGP win tomorrow.
'Our race pace is quite good and now the aim for tomorrow will be to make the most of my starting position, stay at the front and hopefully fight for the win,' he added.
'It's going to be a hard race and there are many strong riders, but I am looking forward to it.
'Our aim is to try to win but if that's not possible then the podium will be okay; it's still only my third race and I am still learning all the time.'
