Jorge Lorenzo clinched his first pole position this year, edging out Marco Simoncelli on the Gresini Honda.  Simoncelli’s efforts to retaliate ended in his low siding but it was still good enough to keep the Repsol Hondas of Dani Pedrosa and Casey Stoner behind him.  Simoncelli rides a factory spec Honda, since he is contracted directly to Honda.  Ben Spies was able to clinch fifth and with Andrea Dovizioso, Colin Edwards and Cal Crutchlow qualifying in sixth, seventh and eighth.  It was a good day for the Tech 3 Yamahas both finishing ahead of works bikes of Ducati.  Cal Crutchlow must feel happy for himself.