Factory Yamaha star Jorge Lorenzo says he ಞwas 'surprised' by title rival Casey Stoner's last-gasp pole-snatching lap at Assen, but the Spaniard is more than satisfied with his front row position.

Lorenzo, who leads the title charg🐻e and is bidding to win four MotoGP races on the ♋bounce for the first time in his career, sealed the third fastest time on his YZR-M1 today.

Qualifying was hit by mixed weather an💧d rain halted the final session before Repsol Honda's 👍Stoner returned to the track to snatch pole.

However♐, Lorenzo is looking very strong in terms of race pace and looks the man to beat in Saturday's gr🥂and prix.

"I tried my best in the last lap of qualifying but I made a little mista🦹ke in the last chicane on braking and lost a few tenths," he said.

"I was surprised at Casey's last lap; it was fantastic and so fast and Dani [Pedrosa] was also very close to him.

"We have a good position for tomorrow on the front row and we have a good race pace and I'm confiden💟t with the bike so I🐲'm happy," he added.

"Qualifying is one thing but💛 the race is another, tyre choice will be important for the race."