Nine-time world champion Valentino Rossi finished today's Sachsenring MotoGP qualifying practice in third place and and it will be his first front-row start since Estoril three years ago.

The Doctor was edged out by fellow Yamaha teamster Cal Crutchlow and Marc Marquez who took his third pole position in his rookie year but Rossi says it can all change during a 30-lap race, especially if the track temperature is hotter than it was today.

"I am happy because I struggle very much in the qualifying this year. Also, during this season, I have a quite good base in the normal practice but when I have to improve the last half a second there is a problem and I cannot do," said Rossi, speaking at the Sachsenring.

"From Assen I think I raise my level and my speed. Also during this weekend we work a lot on the bike and in the qualfying we come back on the first row. After 2010, it's a long, long time and I am very close to the pole position and 1'21.4 here is a great laptime.

"I have a good setting, I have a quite good pace but tomorrow will be another story as we have to make 30 laps. It will be hard for everything, for the body, for the concentration and also for the tyres because it looks like everybody will race with the soft. If the temperature raise more than it did this afternoon, then after some laps it will be difficult.

"All of the three guys of the front row can win. Marc looks like the better pace but also Cal is very constant. A lot of time in the race it is different. On paper we have a good pace for try."