Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
Final 250cc Grand Prix Qualifying Results:
1. Marco Melandri, Aprilia, 1:35.885
2. Randy DePuniet, Aprilia, 1:35.979
3. Sebastian Porto, Yamaha, 1:36.415
4. Emilio Alzamora, Honda, 1:36.454
5. Alex Debon, Aprilia, 1:36.552
6. Fonsi Nieto, Aprilia, 1:36.593
7. Roberto Rolfo, Honda, 1:36.635
8. Toni Elias, Aprilia, 1:36.769
9. Franco Battaini, Aprilia, 1:36.827
10. Casey Stoner, Aprilia, 1:36.971
11. David Checa, Aprilia, 1:37.097
12. Roberto Locatelli, Aprilia, 1:37.099
13. Shahrol Yuzy, Yamaha, 1:37.355
14. Naoki Matsudo, Yamaha, 1:37.425
15. Hector Faubel, Aprilia, 1:37.656
27. Chuck Sorensen, Aprilia, 1:41.533
From a press release issued by MS Aprilia:
Marco Melandri on pole in last round of Championship
The extraordinary new track record made by Marco Melandri yesterday went unbroken today – none of those gunning for pole today managed to better it. His 1’35.885 was unbeaten today and this provisional pole became the definitive pole for tomorrow’s 250 race. One thing is sure: the new world champion rode self-assuredly and feared no rivals in any of the qualifying sessions over the past two days. De Puniet (Aprilia) also did well, posting the best time in today’s qualifying, even though he was not fast enough to beat Melandri’s circuit record. Marco was given a big surprise just before the sessions started up: a “living”, celebratory cake appeared in the pits. The cake concealed Ainett, the Venezuelan top model who shook the world champion’s hand just before the session got underway.
# 3 Marco Melandri – (MS APRILIA RACING) – 1st – 1’35.885
“I’m very pleased with this pole position for the last race of the championship. This year, Nieto has managed to get the fastest lap a number of times to secure top spot on the grid. I wanted to show that I didn’t win the championship by chance, but that I can do a good fast lap too. I want to win tomorrow, because this is a significant race in front of an important public who’ve always given me a warm welcome. And then I want to want to send my greetings to my father Dino who’s still got to get over the accident he had a few days ago.”