Excessive water on the track surface, high winds and constant pouring rain forced race organizers to call off qualifying, so the starting grid was based on the fastest time from the previous practice sessions.

Lorenzo was given his 42nd pole position based on his time of 1 minute, 48.522 seconds.

Lorenzo will begin the race ahead of second-place Nicky Hayden, who posted 1:48.657 in practice. Valentino Rossi was third with a time of 1:48.883.

“It's been one of the easiest poles of my career because I didn't have to ride for it in qualifications,” Lorenzo said.

The Moto2 category pole was taken by Gabor Talmacsi while Bradley Smith earned pole in the 125cc category.

Many riders fell in the slippery conditions during practice, and Alex Debon broke his collarbone. Debon was flown to a hospital in Valencia, Spain after medical examination at the track.

Rain is forecast for Sunday's race.