MONTEREY, Calif. — Defending world champion Casey Stoner won his fifth straight pole in qualifying for the United States Grand Prix today.

The Australian, who has won his last three races, broke his own lap record with a time of 1:21.700 at 100.07 mph. If Stoner continues his winning streak from the pole and sets the fastest lap of Sunday's race, he'll be the first rider in 35 years to win four straight events while setting the fastest laps.

"I've always enjoyed coming here," Stoner said. "It's a very up-and-down circuit. It can be quite slippery, and that suits my style. This morning, things were not perfect, but the afternoon was obviously better. Things are looking good and I'll be checking everything in the morning warmup."

Valentino Rossi will start next to Stoner, the Italian star looking for his first win at the California seaside track. Despite seven world championships, Rossi has never won at Laguna Seca. Rossi's former teammate, Nicky Hayden, will start on the outside of row one.