The Spaniard failed to qualify on the front row of the grid at the circuit for the first time in his career, with Yamaha's 2010 world champion finishing fourth fastest ahead of American teammate Ben Spies and San Carlo Honda Gresini's Alvaro Bautista.

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Ibiden's pin-grid packages plug into circuit boards via dozens of tiny prongs.

FORBES: It's all in the packaging

Saturday will see final qualifying for the fifth round of the F1 season, with grid position considered crucial on the Spanish circuit.

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Illustrating the ongoing strength of F1 despite the global financial troubles, 12 teams and 24 drivers will fill the grid for the first race at the Sakhir circuit.

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Olivier Jacque was leading the race on the 500cc Yamaha at the only circuit where the remaining two-strokes on the grid had a realistic chance of beating the new MotoGP four-strokes.

BBC: Valentino Rossi

While the top teams prospered, the three new lineups, Virgin, Lotus and Hispania, struggled and will occupy the last six places on the 24-car grid for Sunday's 49-lap race at the Sakhir circuit.

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