Moto GP world champion Valentino Rossi lined himself up for a seventh victory this year, winning the pole position for Sunday's British Grand Prix at Donington Park on Saturday.

The Yamaha Italian rider set a time of 1:27.897 in the closing stages of the one-hour qualifying session, 0.285 seconds faster than second-placed Sete Gibernau of Spain on a Honda.

Italy's Marco Melandri, also on a Honda, finished third in 1:28.295 to secure last place on the front row.

The 26-year-old Rossi, who is heading for a fifth world title in a row, earned his fifth pole position of the season at one of his favourite circuits.

The Italian has triumphed here six times in nine attempts, and lost out on a possible seventh win in 2003 following a time penalty.

Source: Xinhua