Is the tire subject getting boring yet? yes? Well try this bit of info: it is possible that Valentino Rossi will be on Bridgestone tires next year. 'The situation is not clear,' he said, 'we must decide.' Then he looked only a

Dani, also suspected of wanting the Japanese tires, said 'Maybe we will continue with the French tires.'

little bit uncomfortable when Casey Stoner stated that he was 'disappointed with some riders' who win loads of championships on one make and want to change as soon as they have a tough time. He didn't say how many people make 'some', but the men sat next to him were Rossi and Pedrosa.

Dani, also suspected of wanting the Japanese tires, said 'Maybe we will continue with the French tires.'

They are the three on the front row for tomorrow which, Valentino assures us, will be a 'sliding race' on a circuit that is the toughest of the year on any brand of tire.

Casey is quite lucky to be able to race after a crash in morning practice when he got off the dry line at Siberia and went over the handlebars. He's limping a bit but otherwise is unhurt. Afternoon qualifying was the first totally dry session of the weekend; Stoner tried to use his qualifiers early but was baulked slightly on both runs. As usual, he said he was content to be on the front row.

Nicky Hayden had a good run to fourth using a new swingingarm that helps traction and the consequent loss of stability on the brakes doesn't matter too much at Phillip Island where there is only one hard braking effort - at the Honda hairpin. The Champ is always fast round this track, so don't count him out tomorrow. If you forget what happened on qualifiers and look back to who did what on race tires, Stoner looks the favorite and he'll have a record crowd to cheer him on.