Rossi is chasing a fourth win in five races this season
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Valentino Rossi thrilled his home fans by snatching pole position for Sunday's Italian MotoGP in the final seconds of qualifying at Mugello.
The world champion set the fastest-ever lap at the circuit in one minute 49.223 seconds to knock Sete Gibernau off top spot with his final effort.
Max Biaggi was third, ahead of Repsol Honda team-mate Nicky Hayden.
John Hopkins was fifth for Team Suzuki, with Marlboro Ducati rider Loris Capirossi sixth after a late mistake.
Rossi, who is seeking a fourth straight victory at his home circuit, has won three of the four races so far this season.
The Gauloises Yamaha rider holds a 37-point lead over Marco Melandri, who qualified seventh, in the title race, with Melandri's Telefonica Movistar Honda team-mate Gibernau a further five points back.
Championship leader Mika Kallio was fastest in 125cc qualifying ahead of KTM team-mate Gabor Talmacsi and Aprilia's Hector Faubel.
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MMIX
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