From a press release issued by series organizers:
WEBSTER “SMASHES” OPPOSITION AT IMOLA
Steve Webster and Paul Woodhead shattered the lap record by almost a second to snatch provisional pole position after Friday’s combined qualifying at Imola, Italy in round 10 of the 2003 Superside World championship.
“It is quite simply a smashing bike,” said Webster. “Imola is a real driver’s circuit and I enjoy it immensely.” Webster and Woodhead continued their qualifying hot streak as they aim for a 26th consecutive pole position.
Woodhead echoed his driver’s sentiments: “It was a good session for us. We were scrubbing in the tyres and I think we can lap at this pace tomorrow.”
The session was red-flagged after 10 minutes following an accident involving Gerhard Hauzenberger and his passenger, Ian Simons. The latter was taken to hospital suffering from concussion and a suspected fractured leg.
Jörg Steinhausen and Trevor Hopkinson recorded the second fastest time, 0.728s adrift of the championship leaders with Martien and Tonnie van Gils a brilliant third. The Maton Racing team manager and sponsor, Peat Leijten was visibly pleased with the performance: “That’s a very good result for us.”
Championship chasing Klaus Klaffenböck, who failed to record a time in the morning session, was sixth in the time sheets, almost five seconds down on Webster.
Friday’s Superside World championship qualifying times:
1 Steve Webster, GB (Suzuki) 1:56.583
2 Jörg Steinhausen, Germany (Suzuki) +0.728s
3 Martien van Gils, Holland (Suzuki) +2.604
4 Steve Abbott, GB (Suzuki) +3.546
5 Tom Hanks, GB (Yamaha) +3.612
6 Klaus Klaffenböck, Austria (Yamaha) +4.849
7 Bill Philp, GB (Yamaha) +5.601,
8 Rob Cameron, GB (Suzuki) +5.696
9 Renaud Dernoncourt, France (Suzuki) +5.934
10 Chris Founds, GB (Yamaha) +6.946.
Webster On Provisional Sidecar Pole At Imola
Webster On Provisional Sidecar Pole At Imola
© 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.