MOTEGI: Reigning MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi will start on pole for the grand prix of Japan after heavy rain forced the cancellation of Saturday's qualifying session.

Rossi will start at the front of the grid in Japan for the first time after recording the quickest lap time in Friday's free practice.

The front row will be completed by current championship leader Casey Stoner and Rossi's Fiat Yamaha team-mate Jorge Lorenzo.

The riders have had just one opportunity to enjoy a dry run so far this weekend, in yesterday's morning session, when Rossi clocked his fastest time of one minute 48.545 seconds.

In the wet conditions yesterday afternoon Colin Edwards was quickest and he will start from fifth place in the grid behind Chris Vermeulen. Loris Capirossi, who is a three-time winner at Motegi, completes the second row.

Leading positions after Final Qualifying Moto GP:

1 Valentino Rossi (Ita) Yamaha 1min 48.545secs

2 Casey Stoner (Aus) Ducati 1:48.601

3 Jorge Lorenzo (Spa) Yamaha 1:48.965

4 Chris Vermeulen (Aus) Suzuki 1:49.382

5 Colin Edwards (USA) Yamaha 1:49.697

6 Loris Capirossi (Ita) Suzuki 1:49.980

7 Andrea Dovizioso (Ita) Honda 1:50.030

8 Marco Melandri (Ita) Ducati 1:50.123

9 Toni Elias (Spa) Honda 1:50.209

10 James Toseland (Gbr) Yamaha 1:50.342

11 Dani Pedrosa (Spa) Honda 1:50.391

12 Nicky Hayden (USA) Ducati 1:50.393

13 Yuki Takahashi (Jpn) Honda 1:50.404

14 Sete Gibernau (Spa) Ducati 1:50.538

15 Alex De Angelis (Smr) Honda 1:50.601