Rossi in seventh as Capirossi grabs pole

Valentino Rossi will start today's Malaysian Grand Prix on the third row after compatriot Loris Capirossi claimed pole position for the second race running.

Rossi, who needs to finish within 12 points of Max Biaggi to seal his fifth successive MotoGP world championship, struggled in the humid conditions at Sepang yesterday and could manage a best time of only two minutes 2.412 seconds in the afternoon's qualifying session.

Biaggi, the only man who can stop the Yamaha rider, fared even worse, qualifying 12th in 2:03.210.

"I'm really disappointed with this situation," said Biaggi, who is 112 points adrift of Rossi in the championship.

"There seems not to be too much grip from the back of the machine and we lose time everywhere," Biaggi said.

"I would like to think we can battle hard in the race, for sure I will give 100 percent as I always do, I just know that at the moment we don't have the pace to fight for the victory over 21 laps."

Ducati's Capirossi, winner in Japan last week, grabbed top spot with a pole record of 2:01.731 in the final minute of qualifying.

"We made many minor adjustments to the suspension today, just looking for more grip," the Italian said.

"My qualifying run went really well but I also did a lot of laps with race tyres and I think maybe we're even better with race tyres. It's going to be a long race - this heat makes it tough for the tyres and for the bike."

Seeking first win

Capirossi was joined on the front row by Honda's Sete Gibernau, who is searching for a first victory of the season, and American Suzuki rider John Hopkins.

Fresh from his maiden win in Japan, Hiroshi Aoyama clinched pole position in the 250cc category with a best lap of 2:07.860.

Thomas Luthi took his third pole of the season, clocking a best of 2:14.546 early in the 125cc qualifying session.