Pedrosa has claimed one win so far in his first season in MotoGP

Defending world champion Valentino Rossi, riding with a fractured wrist, could manage only 12th spot, one behind championship leader Nicky Hayden.

John Hopkins kept up his recent good form with fourth spot, ahead of Loris Capirossi and Randy de Puniet.

James Ellison, the sole Briton on the grid, qualified in 16th place.

Pedrosa's time was more than two seconds inside the lap record for the race, set two years ago by Colin Edwards.

Melandri's finish was particularly impressive, considering the injuries he suffered in the big crash at Catalunya two weeks ago ruled him out of last week's race in Assen.

I'm not sure it will be possible to ride without painkillers for 30 laps Valentino Rossi

Toni Elias is still missing with the injuries he suffered in the same incident, but his stand-in Michel Fabrizio did not enjoy the same luck as Melandri.

He crashed heavily in final practice and broke his right collarbone.

Rossi said his wrist was still causing him problems, and he did not know whether he would be able to race to his full potential.

"I feel pain when I ride, especially under the strong braking you need at Donington," the Italian said.

"The problem is that the race will last 30 laps but even after only a few laps in practice I begin losing strength in my hand.

"Thirty laps means it's going to be very hard with all the pain from my hand but we're going to try.

"In practice I've been riding without painkillers just to see if it's possible but I'm not sure it will be possible for 30 laps so I will make a decision on that tomorrow.

"I've also been feeling bad in my ribs and my stomach and my back which I also hurt in the crash.

"On top of that, we've struggled getting the correct settings for the bike.

"I've had problems setting the line into the long corners because the bike isn't turning at its maximum."

Qualifying times for British Grand Prix, Donington:

1. D Pedrosa (Sp) Repsol Honda 1min 27.676 secs
2 C Vermulen (Aus) Suzuki 1min 28.158 secs
3 M Melandri (It) Fortuna Honda 1min 28.205 secs
4 J Hopkins (USA) Suzuki 1min 28.252 secs
5 L Capirossi (It) Ducati 1min 28.394 secs
6 R de Puniet (Fr) Kawasaki 1min 28.428 secs
7 S Nakano (Jpn) Kawasaki 1min 28.431 secs
8 C Stoner (Aus) Honda LCR 1min 28.447 secs
9 K Roberts Jr (US) Team Roberts 1min 28.473 secs
10 C Edwards (US) Camel Yamaha 1min 28.481 secs

Selected others:
11 N Hayden (US) Repsol Honda 1min 28.509 secs
12 V Rossi (It) Camel Yamaha 1min 28.808 secs
16 J Ellison (GB) Tech 3 Yamaha 1min 30.382 secs

250cc qualifying times:

1 J Lorenzo (Spn) Aprilia 1 min 32.115 secs
2 A De Angelis (SM) Aprilia 1min 32.670
3 H Barbera (Sp) Aprilia 1min 32.846

125cc qualifying times: