The Italian has a sensational record at this circuit, having been on the podium here 11 times in 12 visits in all three classes, although he is overdue a win - the last of his five successes coming back in 2005.

BBC: Matt Roberts' MotoGP column

Thursday's rain-hit session at the Catalunya circuit saw Australia's Mark Webber record the fastest time after conditions dried out in the afternoon.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

It is amazing to think that just four years ago, MotoGP riders Jorge Lorenzo and Andrea Dovizioso were crossing the line side by side in the 125cc race at this very circuit (the only dead heat on record in any class of MotoGP, although Lorenzo was given the win because he had the fastest lap, trivia fans).

BBC: SPORT | Motorsport | Motorbikes | MotoGP's Sunday night fever

There's location data from your cell phone, there's a record of your movements from closed-circuit TVs.

CNN: The Internet is a surveillance state

If the anthology is well-received, the remaining Beatles could venture onto the tour circuit, predicted Somach -- just the sort of statement to drive record sales through the roof and Beatlemania II into a bonafide phenomenon.

CNN: Beatlemania: The sequel

The second Audi, piloted by Capello Scot McNish and seven-time winner Kristensen, led for over 16 hours, with McNish setting a new lap record of three minutes, 27.204 seconds on the 8.45-mile circuit along the way.

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The Ducati rider has won all three previous races at the desert circuit, despite claiming it is not one of his favourites, and he will be keen to keep up that record under the lights on Sunday.

BBC: Jorge Lorenzo has fitness doubts ahead of Qatar MotoGP