Island resident Cal Crutchlow is third on the grid for Sunday's Portuguese MotoGP.
Crutchlow had looked on course for pole at one stage, before Casey Stoner grabbed top spot late on with Dani Pedrosa starting second on the grid.
Despite qualifying ahead of championship leader Jorge Lorenzo, Crutchlow says it will be tough to finish in the top three.
FC Isle of Man searching for elusive home win against Pilkington
Both sides played out goalless draw earlier this season
Hockey: Two leagues split for crucial stage of mixed season
Plenty still up for grabs going into final weeks of the campaign
Rugby: Douglas face big clash against Vale of Lune
Vagabonds and Ramsey back on the road again
Football: Defending prem champions Peel on the road in western clash
Top two in Division 2 return to action this weekend
