Nine-time world champion Valentino Rossi takes pole for Japan Grand Prix

Nine-time world champion Valentino Rossi stormed to pole position for Sunday's Grand Prix of Japan after clocking the fastest time in qualifying Saturday, resuming his campaign to overtake championship leader Marc Marquez.

Honda's Marquez will start from second on the grid with his closest championship rival Rossi standing 52 points behind.

Defending world champion Jorge Lorenzo overcame a spectacular crash earlier in the day and earned the third fastest lap in qualifying to share the front row.

Rossi clocked 1min 43.954sec at the Twin Ring Motegi circuit, while Marquez finished 0.180sec slower and Lorenzo came in 0.267sec after the leading Italian.