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.