Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Final 250cc Grand Prix Qualifying Results:

1. Randy De Puniet, Aprilia, 1:53.939
2. Sebastian Porto, Yamaha, 1:53.959
3. Toni Elias, Aprilia, 1:53.961
4. Marco Melandri, Aprilia, 1:53.970
5. Fonsi Nieto, Aprilia, 1:54.002
6. Roberto Locatelli, Aprilia, 1:54.429
7. Naoki Matsudo, Yamaha, 1:54.492
8. Alex Debon, Aprilia, 1:54.881
9. Roberto Rolfo, Honda, 1:54.936
10. Franco Battaini, Aprilia, 1:55.013
11. Emilio Alzamora, Honda, 1:55.242
12. Casey Stoner, Aprilia, 1:55.490
13. Shahrol Yuzy, Yamaha, 1:55.576
14. Jaroslav Hules, Yamaha, 1:55.610
15. Erwan Nigon, Aprilia, 1:56.053


More, from a press release issued by MS Aprilia:

Marco Melandri makes front row with fourth fastest time. Randy Du Puniet (Aprilia) on pole. 3 Aprilia 250s on the front row of the grid.

The grand finale came in the last qualifying session before tomorrow’s race. The front row all within a handful of thousandths. Marco Melandri worked his way up and took some time before improving yesterday’s best lap, but when the time was at last right, he took off for the challenge to grab pole. There was some very fine duelling between Marco, Elias, Porto and De Puniet, who won the final rush. The front row has three Aprilia 250s and Marco Melandri among them will be going for a very important race: he’ll be aiming for the world riders’ championship and the manufacturers’ title.

# 3 Marco Melandri – (MS APRILIA RACING) – 4th 1’53.961

“The track conditions were very different from yesterday’s. The tarmac was cooler and right at the very end I put on a softer tyre. Then I was slowed down a number of times, but my objective was clear: I had to get up onto the front row. I got there, so we’re where we wanted. Now I’m just hoping for good weather, but they say they’re expecting rain. Today the air humidity was terrible, just breathing is bad enough. We did some good work, very good, on the bike, and I’m really pleased. So, let’s see what the weather brings tomorrow, and I’ll just go for victory.”