Jorge Lorenzo will start the final round of the 2017 season, the Valencia GP, from the second row of the grid after finishing fourth in qualifying on Saturday afternoon.

In the morning's FP3 session Lorenzo had managed to improve on the time he set in FP2 on Friday to finish fourth in the combined standings.

Despite a spectacular crash in qualifying on his first run, Jorge then powered to fourth fastest time in 1'30.460.

โ€œIt's a pity I couldn't manage to start on the front row, but overall it was a positive day for me. I was lucky I didn't hurt myself in the crash because I was going really fast, and I'm disappointed about that because I was doing a great lap, with a time that was maybe good enough for pole,โ€ Lorenzo said.

โ€œOn the second run my confidence with the rear tyre was worse and I was unable to improve my time. The most important thing however is that I'm one of the riders with the best race pace, and even though Marquez is a bit quicker, the fact that he's fighting for the world title could be an advantage for me.โ€

โ€œIn the last few races I've always improved my feeling with the bike and now I can be fast and consistent and this will be important for tomorrow's race.โ€

The Valencia Grand Prix, held over 30 laps, will get underway tomorrow afternoon at 14.00 CET at the Ricardo Tormo circuit in Cheste (Valencia).