In the 250cc category, Aprilia's Alex Debon qualified fastest ahead of Hector Barbera.

CNN: Lorenzo claims MotoGP pole in Spain

The tricky conditions led to a number of crashes, with Hector Barbera the most notable casualty, although without serious injury.

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Spies returned in second to last place, ahead of Hayden, but picked off Mika Kallio, Hiroshi Aoyama, Marco Melandri, Aleix Espargaro, Hector Barbera and Randy de Puniet to seal an impressive eighth place.

BBC: Matt Roberts MotoGP column

Aoyama's task is complicated - the Japanese rider needs to win the race and hope Alvaro Bautista finishes no higher than 15th, Marco Simoncelli no higher than 14th and Hector Barbera third or lower.

BBC: Matt Roberts' MotoGP column

Crutchlow's Monster Yamaha Tech 3 teammate Andrea Dovizioso headed the third row in seventh ahead of Pramac Racing's Hector Barbera, who finished in front of seven-time world champion Valentino Rossi to be the top Ducati rider.

CNN: Stoner on pole for Portugal MotoGP race

Another Spaniard Hector Barbera was third.

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