From a press release issued by Ten Kate Honda:

Vermeulen Third Quickest After Fraught First Qualifying

Day one of the Ten Kate Team’s home event at Assen proved an eventful one for all concerned, and an ultimately rewarding one for Chris Vermeulen (Ten Kate Honda CBR1000RR) who set the third best time, despite overcoming challenges on many fronts.

Pierfrancesco Chili (Ducati) secured provisional pole, with a 2:04.028 lap, heading up another private Ducati rider Gianluca Nannelli and the hard charging Vermeulen, who set a time of 2:04.859 on race tyres.

A front row provisional starting position is a just reward for a day of hard work for all the team, as Vermeulen explained. “We had some different front forks to try and I had problems with brakes in one bike, so we’ve been all over the place in the last two sessions. I was also testing a few different tyres, harder ones hoping they might work and at the end we used what we had already predicted to be our race tyres. I just stuck it in and it was better. I’m still a little bit lost right now but the bike is still going well.”

Team Manager Ronald Ten Kate put day one in perspective. “I’m pretty happy with that considering that we didn’t use any of our qualifying tyres yet. I can’t speak for the other guys at the front but certainly some looked like they used very softy tyres. We also had a lot of problems, troubles to sort out throughout the session and a lot of different things did not go as expected. So, at the end of the day, I’m pretty happy that we are up there and I’m sure we can do even better tomorrow. Looking at the times we have done in testing there is something more to come.”

Final qualifying and Superpole, which will determine the final grid position for the races, take place on Saturday 4th September.

World Superbike Championship
Round 9 Assen – The Netherlands
3 – 5 September 2004
first qualification
1. P. Chili, ITA, Ducati 998RS, 2’04.028
2. G. Nannelli, ITA, Ducati 998 RS, 2’04.314
3. C. Vermeulen, Ten Kate Honda CBR1000RR, 2’04.859
4. G. Bussei, ITA, Ducati 998RS, 2’05.086
5. J. Toseland, GBR, Ducati 999 F04, 2’05.096
6. I. Clementi, ITA, Kawasaki ZX10, 2’05.382
7. L. Haslam GBR, Ducati 999 RS, 2’05.410
8. R. Laconi, FRA, Ducati 999 F04, 2’05.459
9. S. Martin, AUS, Ducati 999 RS, 2’05.552
10. T. Corser, AUS, Petronas FP1, 2’05.742



Muggeridge and Parkes Go 1-2 On The Opening Day At Assen

Karl Muggeridge (Ten Kate Honda CBR600RR) and Broc Parkes (Ten Kate Honda CBR600RR) topped the first day’s qualifying sheets at their team’s home circuit of Assen, with Muggeridge over one second faster than even his pursuing team-mate. The championship leader’s time of 2:06.279 came after a successful 45-minute session for both riders, watched by the enthusiastic Dutch crowd in the impressive Assen grandstands. In a new initiative unveiled at this event, a posse of team guests also viewed the action in the pit garage itself, from a gantry built specially for the occasion behind and above the working area.

Parkes, second quickest overall, set a best lap of 2:07.437, 1.188 seconds from Muggeridge and just ahead of another Honda rider, Sebastien Charpentier. Completing the provisional front row was Muggeridge’s main title challenger, Jurgen van den Goorbergh, some 1.3 seconds adrift.

Cool and collected after his hot first lap, Muggeridge stated, “The bike’s been working well and we concentrated on the chassis as much as we could. In the end we made little steps in a good direction. I don’t know why we’ve got such a big gap on the first day be we were just making all the right decisions throughout. The new front forks are a real improvement but we have to get the settings just right. Set-up is never ending and we just chip away at things all the time.”

Parkes, second quickest, knows he can improve his time if the predicted dry spell at Assen continues. “I always seem to get stuck on my fast laps, and that made me a bit frustrated. Karl’s really fast, right on the money from the start. I think I was trying to get up to speed a little but too quickly, trying to put in a single fast lap time. Second quickest is OK, but I think there is more to come, if I can make the bike a little bit nicer get a little bit more grip and a clean lap in tomorrow.”

Team Manager Ronald Ten Kate was enthused by the first day’s positive results. “A lot of Karl’s best lap time was due to the front forks, which we tried for the first time at Brands. There, we didn’t get a perfect setting for them but here at our home track it is very much easier to find. We have the front working really well and the boys are making a great job on the bikes. I think that the little crowd we have in pitlane, in our little arena above the pit garage, gives a little bit extra. All in all, a dream start to the weekend. For Karl we can now begin working on race set-up almost exclusively because I really can’t see him off the front row, even with just his Friday time.”

First Qualifying
1. K. Muggeridge, AUS, Ten Kate Honda CBR600RR, 2’06.249
2. B. Parkes, AUS, Ten Kate Honda CBR600RR, 2’07.437
3. S. Charpentier, FRA, Honda CBR600RR, 2’07.521
4. J. Vd Goorbergh, Yamaha YZF R6, 2’07.597
5. K. Curtain, AUS, Yamha YZF R6, 2’07.664
6. A. Corradi, ITA, Honda CBR600RR, 2’08.358
7. W. Daemen, BEL, Honda CBR600RR, 2’08.481
8. K. Andersen, NOR, Kawasaki ZX6 RR, 2’08.507
9. A. Pitt, AUS, Yamaha YZF R6, 2’08.522
10. B. Veneman, NED, Suzuki GSX-R600, 2’08.523


More, from a press release issued by Foggy Petronas Racing:

FPR riders set up for Assen qualifying challenge

Foggy PETRONAS Racing riders Troy Corser and Chris Walker spent the first day of qualifying for the ninth round of the Superbike World Championship focusing on setting up the FP1 for the fast-flowing corners of Assen in the Netherlands.

Championship hopeful Frankie Chili set a blistering pace of 2:04.028, with Troy and Chris posting times of 2:05.742 and 2:06.665 respectively.

It was a day of adjustment for both riders as they continued to familiarise themselves with changes of characteristics and increased gearing options from the latest specification of FP1 engine.

Troy said: “I changed a few things from this morning, including the gearing and the front fork and rear shock settings to try and help the bike turn better. The changes made improvements in some places but not in others. But those changes were a bit rushed and now we can fine-tune them for maximum benefit. I did my fastest time on the hardest rear, which didn’t weave around like the others at high speed.

“I didn’t really want to use a qualifier today but thought that the conditions for Superpole tomorrow might be the same as this afternoon. It was the softer qualifier and had better grip in the slower corners but less in the faster corners. I actually thought the time was going to be slower than it was, especially as I made a small mistake and Bussei was in the way at one point. We have also been going better on the other qualifier at previous rounds.”

Chris said: “I felt great this morning but struggled in the afternoon session. It took me all session to match the time from this morning and I hadn’t changed anything huge. Maybe I was trying a bit too hard, but something wasn’t quite there to give me the confidence to go faster. I did change the gearing from the morning, which always affects the geometry, and it did feel heavier but when I reverted to the morning settings and tyres, the bike was chattering so badly that I could hardly see!”

Friday qualifying times, Superbike World Championship, round 9, Assen: 1 Chili 2:04.028; 2 Nannelli 2:04.314; 3 Vermeulen 2;04.859; 4 Bussei 2:05.086; 5 Toseland 2:05.096; 6 Clementi 2:05.382; 7 Hasalm 2:05.410; 8 Laconi 2:05.459; 9 Martin 2:05.552; 10 Corser 2:05.742; 16 Walker 2:06.665

Free practice times: 1 Vermeulen (Ten Kate Honda) 2:05.644; 2 Laconi (Ducati Fila) 2:05.675; 3 Toseland (Ducati Fila) 2:05.773; 4 Bussei (DeCecco Racing) 2:06.310; 5 Borciani (DFX) 2:06.528; 6 Chili (PSG-1) 2:06.629; 7 Walker (Foggy PETRONAS Racing) 2:06.724; 8 Bontempi (Zongshen) 2:06.752; 9 Haslam (Renegade Ducati) 2:06.795; 10 Haga (Renegade Ducati) 2:06.882; 13 Corser (Foggy PETRONAS Racing) 2:07.134


More, from a press release issued by FG Sport Group:

CHILI CONQUERS HIS FAVOURITE TRACK ON DAY ONE

RAPID FIRE FRANKIE: Pierfrancesco Chili (PSG-1 Ducati 998) proved his life affirming pre-race comments at Assen – that life begins at 40 – really are true by heading the time sheets in the Superbike class. Already a race winner this year on his 999-engined 998RS machine, the current best lap holder once more proved fastest of the field, setting a 2:04.028s mark as the one hour first timed session drew to a close. Second qualifying and Superpole will determine the final grid positions, but on day one Chili showed his intentions for the entire weekend at Assen, a track he reveres above all others.

ITALIAN INVASION: Gianluca Nannelli’s first day riding power put him second in the time sheets, only 0.286 seconds away from provisional pole. It was another impressive showing for the class rookie, on a supposedly outdated 998cc Ducati RS machine, expertly prepared by the Pedercini Team. The 31-year-old is one of four Italian riders on the front row, in a glory day for riders of 998 style Ducatis.

HONDA HOMECOMING: Their bike might be Japanese but the Ten Kate Team is a potent mix of Dutch expertise and Australian riding talent, with Chris Vermeulen (Ten Kate Honda CBR1000RR) once more attacking the stopwatch with some success, despite many niggling problems with machine set-up. The whole Ten Kate squad, including the machine, are SBK rookies, but at present Vermeulen lies only two points from a share of the championship lead.

BUSSEI BLOSSOMS: After a recent return to the Superbike class, after a sojourn in World Supersport, Giovanni Bussei (De Cecco Racing 998RS) has made a mark, none bigger than finishing day one at the challenging and fast Assen circuit in fourth position. He had the satisfaction of not only beating all the works machines but every Ducati 999-based bike on the grid.

WORKS IN PROGRESS: James Toseland (Ducati Fila 999F04) proved to be the best of the official Ducati entries, running his big twin to fifth place, over a second slower than Chili, with a time of 2:05.096. His team-mate, Regis Laconi lost ground in the second sector of the track, finishing a disappointed eighth, clawing his way onto the final place on the second row of the provisional grid.

KWAK ATTACK: A good day for the Bertocchi Kawasaki squad put Ivan Clementi sixth on the score sheet, running his 1000cc Kawasaki ZX-10 at a high pace in the final result. His team-mate Mauro Sanchini (Kawasaki Bertocchi ZX-10) ran out 11th on day one.

RENEGADE RUNNERS: Leon Haslam showed his rate of progress is continuing to gather momentum, as he outperformed his championship-challenging team-mate Noriyuki Haga on day one. His seventh best placing was in marked contrast to Haga’s 14th. The Ducati Renegade Koji 998RS riders are both expected to improve on day two, with the wonderful weather conditions predicted to continue throughout the three days of competition at Assen.

TOP TENS: Steve Martin (DFX Ducati 999RS) and Troy Corser (Foggy Petronas FP-1) completed a complicated top ten at Assen, with the experienced Piergiorgio Bontempi running out 11th on the improving Zong Shen Suzuki GSX-R1000.

SUPERSPORT: Another quite outstanding performance from championship leader Karl Muggeridge (Ten Kate Honda CBR600RR) gave him the upper hand in the first Supersport session, putting a whole second between himself and a chasing pack headed by his own team-mate Broc Parkes (Ten Kate Honda CBR600RR). Muggeridge’s time of 2:06.249 was untouchable, and may even prove to be the pole time in its own right. Sebastien Charpentier (Klaffi Honda CBR600RR) was third, with Muggeridge’s main championship challenger Jurgen van den Goorbergh (Yamaha Italia R6) fourth, and in an overnight front row position.

SUPERSTOCK: The keen season-long competition between series leaders Lorenzo Alfonsi and Gianluca Vizziello continued apace at Assen, as the Italia Lorenzini by Leoni Yamaha R1 riders slugged it out for supremacy on day one. Alfonsi was to take provisional pole, fully 1.114 seconds ahead of Vizziello, with Spaniard Bernat Martinez (Marvimoto Suzuki) third.

Final qualifying for all classes takes place tomorrow, Saturday 4th September.


More, from a press release issued by Yamaha Racing:

FRONT ROW FOR JURGEN! FABIEN BACK!

Yamaha Racing Italia rider Jurgen van den Goorbergh finished the first day of qualifying on the front row of the grid – much to the delight of his home fans. The Dutchman was quick from the start of today’s opening session and then tried different settings to try and improve his R6 Yamaha for tomorrow’s sessions. The surprise of the weekend though was the unexpected return of his team mate Fabien Foret. Foret suffered an ugly crash in the last round at Brands Hatch and broke bones in his left ankle, but the Frenchman decided to try and ride at Assen instead of waiting for the next round. Despite a fall this afternoon, Fabien kept at it and finished a remarkable 19th quickest. Jurgen and Fabien are joined here by former Supersport World Champion Andrew Pitt, who is having a wild card ride for the team. This is Pitt’s first Supersport ride since 2002 and his first time on Pirelli’s, but nevertheless he was able to put in the ninth fastest lap of the day.

JURGEN VD GOORBERGH – 4th, 2:07.597

For me, Friday is not normally the right day for quick times, but today we were competitive right from the start and our settings were close also. Muggeridge was very fast today – and close to the Superbike times – but that’s because his Ten Kate team have tested here many times and so have an advantage, whereas this is our first day. We will try and close the gap on him tomorrow, but all I really need is to keep my front row grid position. I think the weekend is going to stay dry and I would prefer that because, if it rains, strange things can happen.

FABIEN FORET – 19th, 2:09.654

Everybody told me that I was crazy just to get on the bike so soon after the crash, but I wanted to try it and see how it was. I have broken two bones in my right ankle and have it pinned and plated, with six screws. My left leg is still swollen and the ligaments in my right knee are stretched. I don’t have enough strength in my legs to push the bike around, so I’m having to use my upper body instead and that is hard work here at Assen. But, I’d rather do all this then stay at home and watch it on TV. This afternoon I had a stupid crash but, apart from some bruising to my right arm, I’m OK. The bike had a new front tyre and I just lost the front in the first corner, that’s all.

ANDREW PITT – 9th, 2:08.522

I spent the day learning about my R6 Yamaha and also trying to get a feeling about the Pirellis. It is my first time on them, and I didn’t want to do anything silly, so I concentrated and putting in the laps and getting as much info as possible. At the moment, I haven’t got a good feeling about the front, but I have some ideas how to improve the bike’s set-up. I’m satisfied with the first day and I am curious to see how I am going to do tomorrow and then in the race on Sunday.

Friday qualifying
1 Muggeridge (Aus-Honda) 2:06.249, 2 Parkes (Aus-Honda) 2:07.437, 3 Charpentier (F-Honda) 2:07.521, 4 VD GOORBERGH (NL-YAMAHA RACING ITALIA) 2:07.597, 5 Curtain (Aus-Yamaha) 2:07.664, 6 Corradi (I-Honda) 2:08.358, 7 Daemen (B-Honda) 2:08.481, 8 Anderssen (N-Kawasaki) 2:08.507, 9 PITT (AUS-YAMAHA RACING ITALIA) 2:08.522, 10 Veneman (NL-Suzuki) 2:08.523, 19 FORET (F-YAMAHA RACING ITALIA) 2:09.654


More, from a press release issued by Troy Corser’s publicist:

TOP TEN FOR TROY ON DAY ONE.

Troy used the opening day of qualifying at Assen today to try and find a good set-up for his Petronas FP1 instead of chasing quick lap times. At the end of today’s first qualifying, Troy finished tenth with a time of 2:05.742. It was a strange look to final qualifying except for Italian Frankie Chili (Ducati) who posted today’s fastest lap. The surprises started with Gianluca Nannelli (Ducati) in second. Third quickest was Chris Vermeulen (Honda), with Giovanni Bussei (Ducati) fourth – another surprise.

TROY CORSER – 10th, 2:05 742

We were trying quite a few things today and weren’t looking for quick lap times at all. We’ve tried some different suspension set-ups and also different gearing. Getting the best gearing is vital if you want to go quickly at Assen. Although many of the corners are very fast, there are a couple of slow turns and so gearing is always a bit of a compromise. Our bike has improved a little from the last round and the engine now revs to about 14800 rpm, instead of the 13600 from before. This doesn’t actually give us hardly any more power, but it allows us the carry a gear longer. The track felt a bit slippery today and I’m not sure of it was the track, the tyres or maybe both! For me, Assen is one of the hardest races of the year – because it is so fast, and our bike is not as quick as the top bikes. You really have to carry good corner speed here, but we’re losing out on the exits and that is tough. Hopefully, we’ll be further up the grid tomorrow and then we’ll see what happens in the race.


More, from a press release issued by Ducati Corse:

STEADY START FOR TOSELAND AND LACONI (DUCATI FILA) AT ASSEN

Assen (Netherlands), 3 September 2004: Ducati Fila riders Regis Laconi and James Toseland got off to a steady start at Assen, qualifying fifth and eighth quickest respectively as Pierfrancesco Chili (PSG-1 Ducati) set the pace in today’s opening session.

The British rider, currently fourth in the standings, clocked a time of 2:05.096 around the 6.027 km TT circuit to take the provisional fifth slot on the grid, while his French team-mate and championship leader was a further four-tenths of a second down in eighth place.

“We worked hard today and I put two nine-lap stints in, which doesn’t sound a lot but around here it is” declared Toseland. “We tested at Mugello and got a good base setting. It was nothing rocket-science but it works with what we know. We’ve got that comfort zone and everything is working pretty well.

“I’m the second fastest on race tyres but I think I’m consistently the fastest rider out there at the moment. Chili’s just beaten me by one-tenth on a race tyre and everyone else is on qualifiers so I’m pretty happy.”

Laconi commented: “I’m not completely happy but we are riding here with the new setting we had in Mugello and we still have to work and make it
better. But the feeling is good and now I just have to find a good lap time.

“The only real difficulty we had was with the qualifying tyre, so we will have to sort that out tomorrow. We changed quite a few things in that session but I just have to learn more this bike with the new setting.”

TIMES: 1. Chili (PSG-1 Ducati) 2’04.028; 2. Nannelli (Ducati) 2:04.314; 3. Vermeulen (Honda) 2:04.859; 4. Bussei (Ducati) 2:05.086; 5.
Toseland (Ducati Fila) 2:05.096; 6. Clementi (Kawasaki) 2:05.382; 7. Haslam (Renegade Ducati) 2:05.410; 8. Laconi (Ducati Fila) 2:05.459 ; etc.


More, from a press release issued by Xerox Ducati Nortel Networks – Scuderia Caracchi

Debut day at Assen with some problem

The debut day of Dutch World Superbike round at Assen isn’t been totally black for the Xerox Ducati Nortel Networks team, but some small trouble interfered with the Garry McCoy’s action, recording a lowly 13th position after the first qualifying session, totally spent to find the best set up for his 999RS Xerox Ducati Nortel Networks.

“I’m not satisfied of today’s result.” – commented Garry McCoy at the end of the day. “But actually this performance it’s not too bad because I’m confident to improve it. Times of everybody are very close and the fourth position isn’t too far. During my fast lap with qualifying tyres I found a slower rider parked along the track and I lose my best lap. But from the morning session to the afternoon one I improved my lap time more as a second and I’m confident that think will be better tomorrow. Today we tested a lot of race tyres, but no one was very satisfactory.”

Satisfied for the scored result, despite a mistake at the end of finish line, is Miguel Praia: “On this track totally for me unknown I got a big improvement and to challenge the Dutch wild card riders on this circuit that they know perfectly is very satisfactory for me.”

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Friday Morning ‘s Provisional AMA Superbike Practice Times:

1. Mat Mladin, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:23.536
2. Aaron Yates, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:24.621
3. Miguel Duhamel, Hon CBR1000RR, 1:24.662
4. Jake Zemke, Hon CBR1000RR, 1:24.705
5. Eric Bostrom, Duc 999F04, 1:25.080
6. Ben Bostrom, Hon CBR1000RR, 1:25.350
7. Josh Hayes, Kaw ZX-10R, 1:25.733
8. Larry Pegram, Yam YZF-R1, 1:26.626
9. John Haner, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:26.734
10. Geoff May, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:26.758
11. Martin Craggill, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:26.779
12. Jason Pridmore, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:27.136
13. Lee Acree, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:27.480
14. Jake Holden, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:27.533
15. Shawn Higbee, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:27.705
16. Eric Wood, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:27.836
17. David Weber, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:28.173
18. Brian Stokes, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:28.379
19. Jimmy Moore, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:28.422
20. Scott Greenwood, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:28.641
21. Chris Caylor, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:29.062
22. Mike Smith, Yam YZF-R1, 1:29.093
23. Chuck Sorensen, Yam YZF-R1, 1:29.129
24. Chris Ulrich, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:29.297
25. Heath Small, Yam YZF-R1, 1:29.310
26. Jesse Janisch, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:29.332
27. Jeff Tigert, Hon CBR1000RR, 1:29.428
28. Byron Barbour, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:29.671
29. Jason Curtis, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:29.993
30. Jeremy Toye, Yam YZF-R1, 1:30.027
31. C.R. Gittere, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:30.332
32. Cory Denton, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:30.398
33. Mark Ledesma, Hon CBR1000RR, 1:30.653
34. J.J. Roetlin, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:30.774
35. Reuben Frankenfield, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:30.816
36. Andrew Deatherage, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:30.894
37. Roger Bell, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:31.090
38. Matt Lynn, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:31.590
39. Scott Jensen, Hon CBR1000RR, 1:31.651
40. Dean Mizdal, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:31.921
41. David Bell, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:31.998
42. Kevin Pate, Yam YZF-R1, 1:32.010
43. James Kerker, Hon CBR1000RR, 1:32.097
44. Lenny Beckman, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:33.171
45. Anthony Fania, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:33.313
46. Roland Williams, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:34.876
47. Jeremiah Johnson, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:35.340
48. James Bonner, Yam YZF-R1, 1:38.199

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Provisional 125cc GP Qualifying Results:

1. Andrea DOVIZIOSO, Honda, 1:46.280
2. Simone CORSI, Honda, 1:46.338
3. Roberto LOCATELLI, Aprilia, 1:46.496
4. Casey STONER, KTM, 1:46.506
5. Marco SIMONCELLI, Aprilia, 1:46.572
6. Jorge LORENZO, Derbi, 1:46.735
7. Steve JENKNER, Aprilia, 1:47.062
8. Hector BARBERA, Aprilia, 1:47.085
9. Pablo NIETO, Aprilia, 1:47.111
10. Fabrizio LAI, Gilera, 1:47.132
11. Lukas PESEK, Honda, 1:47.251
12. Stefano PERUGINI, Gilera, 1:47.270
13. Mirko GIANSANTI, Aprilia, 1:47.276
14. Gabor TALMACSI, Malaguti, 1:47.320
15. Angel RODRIGUEZ, Derbi, 1:47.508

From a press release issued by series organizers:

SHANNONVILLE, ON Pascal Picotte got off to a fast start at the final round of the Parts Canada Superbike Championship at Shannonville Motorsport Park Friday.

The Granby, QC rider, who has already clinched the 2004 series title set the fastest time in practice, taking his Team Yamaha / Picotte Performance Yamaha YZF-R1 around the 4.0-km (2.5-mile) Shannonville ‘Long Track’ in 1:44.862 in the last of the day’s two 45-minute sessions.

Despite missing the final session Calgary’s Clint McBain ended the day with the second best lap of 1:45.190 aboard the Coors Light Racing / Blackfoot Suzuki GSX-R1000. Frank Trombino of Kleinburg, ON was third overall at 1:45.954 riding the Brooklin Cycle Yamaha YZF-R1.

Picotte’s effort came despite suffering a bee sting while on the track early in the afternoon session.

“I knew immediately what had happened,” said Picotte, who had also been stung while competing in the U.S. earlier in his career. “It was like a burning feeling just as I was going into turn 2.”

Picotte wrapped up his second straight Parts Canada Superbike title two weeks ago with a third place finish at Le Circuit Mont-Tremblant.

“I set my best time with the hardest tire we have in the trailer,” added Picotte, who holds the current lap record of 1:44.079. “With a soft tire we should be able to get down to a 1:43 in qualifying tomorrow.”

McBain was close to Picotte’s pace in the morning but suffered a fall in the afternoon’s practice for the Hindle Exhaust Pro 600 Sport Bike support class. He was awake and alert immediately following the accident but was taken to hospital in Belleville with a suspected concussion.

Brantford, ON’s Jordan Szoke posted the fourth fastest time of the day with a 1:46.027 on his Honda Canada / Fast Company Honda CBR1000RR and Kevin Lacombe of Granby placed fifth at 1:46.216 riding the Lacombe Racing / Brooklin Cycle Yamaha YZF-R1.

Szoke and Lacombe are in a battle for second in the Parts Canada Superbike standings.

In other action at Shannonville, Mississauga, ON’s Matt McBride was quickest in practice for the Pro 600 competitors with a time of 1:46.990 on his Canadian Kawasaki Motors Kawasaki ZX-6RR. McBain ended the day with the second fastest time of 1:47.347 riding his Suzuki GSX-R600 and Picotte was third at 1:47.821 on his Yamaha YZF-R6.

Picotte has also clinched the Pro 600 Sport Bike title.

Eric Warren of Richmond Hill, ON set the pace in International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW Amateur 600 Sport Bike practice with a time of 1:50.717 on his Suzuki GSX-R600. Points leader Darren James of North Vancouver placed seventh Friday with a best lap of 1:53.006 aboard his Yamaha YZF-R6.

Qualifying for all three national classes will take place Saturday afternoon with feature races on Sunday.

This weekend’s event will be televised on TSN on Saturday, Oct. 23 at 2:00 p.m. EDT and on Quebec’s RDS on Sunday, Oct. 31 at 2:30 p.m. Action from Shannonville will also air later this fall on Toronto1 and A-Channel stations in Winnipeg, Calgary and Edmonton.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Friday Morning World Superbike Practice Times:

1. Chris Vermeulen, Honda CBR1000RR, 2:05.644
2. Regis Laconi, Ducati 999F04, 2:05.675
3. James Toseland, Ducati 999F04, 2:05.773
4. Giovanni Bussei, Ducati 998RS, 2:06.310
5. Marco Borciani, Ducati 999RS, 2:06.528
6. Pierfrancesco Chili, Ducati 998RS, 2:06.629
7. Chris Walker, Foggy Petronas FP1, 2:06.724
8. Piergiorgio Bontempi, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 2:06.752
9. Leon Haslam, Ducati 999RS, 2:06.795
10. Noriyuki Haga, Ducati 999RS, 2:06.882
11. Garry McCoy, Ducati 999RS, 2:06.995
12. Lucio Pedercini, Ducati 998RS, 2:07.011
13. Troy Corser, Foggy Petronas FP1, 2:07.134
14. Ivan Clementi, Kawasaki ZX-10R, 2:07.340
15. Steve Martin, Ducati 999RS, 2:07.454

From a press release issued by Gauloises Fortuna Yamaha:

ROSSI TAKES PROVISIONAL POLE IN PORTUGAL

Gauloises Fortuna Yamaha rider Valentino Rossi made a successful start to the Portuguese Grand Prix today by taking provisional pole on day one in Estoril. His team-mate Carlos Checa finished the afternoon 11th fastest, spending much of the session in the top five. After yesterday’s downpours, the weather stayed dry with patches of sunshine, making for a fast qualifying session with eight riders posting times under 1:39s, four of these bettering last year’s pole position time.

Rossi went to the top of the time sheets just over ten minutes into the hour-long session, whilst Checa moved into second shortly after with a time of 1:39.163. With fifteen minutes remaining Sete Gibernau (Honda) went ahead of Rossi, surrendering the lead to Alex Barros (Honda) half a minute later. Gibernau then stole the top spot back again with his fastest lap of the day of 1:38.067.

This was only good enough for second, however, as Rossi then put in a flying lap of 1:38.036 with just over a minute remaining. Barros finished third fastest with a time of 1:38.215, followed by Honda riders Makoto Tamada (1:38.342), Max Biaggi (1:38.609) and Yamaha rider Marco Melandri (1:38.710). Checa was unable to better his earlier time as he touched tyres with Gibernau on his flying lap and could not pass him.

VALENTINO ROSSI (1st, 1:38.036)

“We are ahead now but there is still more work to do, although we did some really good work today and finished first. It’s difficult to set up here because it’s an old style track; very tight and full of bumps. For sure it will be tough here, especially against Gibernau and Barros who are looking strong. We have found the right tyre today and this was very important. It’s going to be a hard race.”

CARLOS CHECA (11th, 1:39.163)

“Everything is working well so far, but there’s room for improvement. We’re losing time on a few parts of the track but the bike feels quite good. I touched tyres with Gibernau on my last lap when I had qualifying tyres on and couldn’t pass him. This meant I missed my chance to improve my last lap time. I hope the weather stays okay tomorrow. At the Brno test we changed the balance of the bike slightly and it feels more comfortable, so I am confident for the weekend.”

JEREMY BURGESS, ROSSI’S CREW CHIEF

“It was imperative for us to get on the front row, and that’s what we did. In Brno we had limited dry track time during the race weekend, but in the test there on Monday we had some time to test Michelin tyres and the ones we selected were ready for here. Our priority here today was front row, especially because it might rain tomorrow.”


More, from a press release issued by Kawasaki Racing Team:

TOUGH OPENING DAY AT ESTORIL FOR FUCHS KAWASAKI

Today’s first qualifying session for Sunday’s Portuguese Grand Prix at Estoril proved to be a tough one for the Fuchs Kawasaki pairing of Shinya Nakano and Alex Hofmann.

A problem with the exhaust system on his number one machine at the start of this afternoon’s session meant that Nakano was limited to using his spare Ninja ZX-RR, and the track time lost as a result cost the Japanese rider any chance of securing a top ten starting position on the provisional grid.

In addition, the spare bike wasn’t fitted with the latest version of the Öhlins forks which had produced much-improved braking stability at the recent Brno tests.

Over the notorious Estoril bumps Nakano could not reproduce the ‘feel’ and chassis balance he found with his number one bike in the morning free practice session, despite running a total of 26 laps.

Meanwhile Hofmann’s first outing on the Ninja ZX-RR at the twisty and demanding 4.1 km Estoril track was a difficult one, as he worked to overcome a lack of feeling from the front end.

The 24-year-old German rider lacked feedback from the front suspension on corner entry today, but is optimistic that with revised settings from Kawasaki and Öhlins engineers, and another day’s MotoGP experience on the Estoril track, he will produce faster times tomorrow.

Nakano’s bikes were fitted with the standard spec ZX-RR motors, while Hofmann’s machines ran some development parts – including a new, twin-pipe Akrapovic exhaust.

However Hofmann had little time to evaluate engine performance, as he struggled to find a comfortable front end set-up.

Shinya Nakano: 14th (1:39.751)
“I think I was unlucky today when I could only use one bike for qualifying. In free practice I had excellent feeling and had found some good tyre options with my main ZX-RR race bike, which was fitted with the new forks. When I switched to the spare I just couldn’t get the same feeling, especially under braking. For the moment I prefer the response of the standard ZX-RR motor, and with two bikes running tomorrow I’m confident of going faster.”

Alex Hofmann: 18th (1:40.623)
“My main problem was with the front suspension set-up over the bumps, on the brakes, into the corner. This is not a track that rewards you with fast times if you lack front end confidence. The new forks felt great at Brno last week, and I’m sure it is just a matter of fine tuning the set-up as I’ve never ridden a MotoGP bike here before. I was battling the front so much I couldn’t really concentrate on any engine work today, so hopefully it will stay dry tomorrow because I have a lot of catching up to do.”



More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Rossi establishes early dominance at Estoril

Valentino Rossi took provisional pole position for the Grande Premio Marlboro de Portugal today, smashing Loris Capirossi’s previous pole record by almost half a second to clock 1:38.036 on his first visit to the Portuguese track riding the Yamaha. With cool and cloudy conditions in the morning making way for bright blue skies and warm sunshine in the afternoon, Rossi was able to swiftly find a dry set-up for the M1 and used it to fight off the challenge of four Honda riders, three of whom lapped inside Capirossi’s previous benchmark of 1:38.412.

“We are ahead now but there is still more work to do, although we did some really good work today and finished first,” commented Rossi, who has taken victory at this circuit for the past three consecutive seasons. “It’s difficult to set up here because it’s an old style track – very tight and full of bumps. For sure it will be tough here, especially against Gibernau and Barros who are looking strong. We have found the right tyre today and this was very important. It’s going to be a hard race.”

Sete Gibernau was the closest of the chasers, lapping within just 0.031 seconds of his title rival, whilst Alex Barros completes the front row in third place after setting the pace for much of the session and clocking the fastest time in the morning free practice despite crashing. Makoto Tamada heads up the provisional second row from team-mate Max Biaggi, whilst Marco Melandri was the next quickest Yamaha behind Rossi, qualifying in sixth place.

With Nicky Hayden out of action due to the broken collarbone injury sustained in a supermoto crash last weekend, Colin Edwards was the final Honda, qualifying seventh fastest to confirm the Japanese factory’s traditional strength at the Portuguese track. John Hopkins continued his impressive run of form on the Suzuki with the eighth fastest time whilst Capirossi, who started from the front of the grid here one year ago, completes the provisional third row in ninth place on the Ducati.

Sebastian Porto beat his own previous pole record in the 250cc class at Estoril today, his lap of 1:41.638 almost a tenth under the time which gave him his debut pole at this circuit two years ago. Porto, who took victory in the last round at Brno, was just 0.007 seconds quicker than last year’s winner Toni Elías whilst series leader Dani Pedrosa made gradual progress throughout the session to lap just 0.041 seconds short of the Argentinean.

Randy de Puniet completes the front row in fourth place after failing to improve his best time in the late charge for grid positions, whilst a last lap effort from Alex de Angelis bumped him up to the front of the second row in fifth. Hiroshi Aoyama escaped unhurt from a crash to qualify sixth fastest, with Manuel Poggiali and Fonsi Nieto joining the Japanese youngster on the provisional second row.

Andrea Dovizioso and Simone Corsi took the top two positions on the provisional grid for the 125cc race, sealing an impressive one-two for the Scot Honda team. Corsi had topped the time sheets on the penultimate lap after an elbow-to-elbow tussle with Casey Stoner, but was beaten to provisional pole by his fellow Italian on the very last lap. Roberto Locatelli also staged a late pole attack to move up to the front row in third place, relegating Stoner to fourth. Marco Simoncelli contested top spot throughout the session but was eventually relegated to fifth place and is joined on the provisional second row by Jorge Lorenzo, Steve Jenkner and Hector Barberá.


More, from a press release issued by Proton Team KR:

Aoki in and out at Estoril

Nobuatsu Aoki: 20th, 1:42.286

Proton Team KR rider Nobuatsu Aoki was 20th fastest in today’s first qualifying session for Sunday’s Portuguese GP, qualified, but unable to show his true pace after an afternoon of persistent niggling problems with the engines in both of his Proton KR V5 machines.

Aoki is riding alone at Estoril, with team-mate Kurtis Roberts out of the race as he recuperates from wrist and shoulder fractures sustained at Brno two weeks ago.

The problems were a return of oil-control problems that the team thought they had long since laid to rest. The result was the risk of oil getting on to the back tyre, preventing the Japanese rider from staying out on the track to build up pace and rhythm at the twisty circuit, with the slowest average speed of the year.

This was disappointing, because the Proton KR V5’s strongest suit is handling and cornering, which should pay dividends at the Portuguese circuit.

Today’s first qualifying sessions took place in bright sunshine. There is one more day of practice and qualifying before Sunday’s race, but rain is forecast for tomorrow. If the timed session is wet, then today’s dry-weather lap times will determine starting positions.

Nobuatsu Aoki
A terrible day. I’ve been suffering oil leaks with both machines – on one of them even after the engine was changed. I was getting oil on my boots, and the only thing to do when that happens is to get back to the pits straight away.

Kenny Roberts -Team Principal
Things are getting a little better all the time, but we are so busy producing race engines that we’re not able to put improvements into the system as quickly as we would like. We’re still struggling with grip and reliability, but the acceleration and speed are improving, so there is some progress.


More, from a press release issued by Camel Honda Racing Information:


Makoto and Max finish day one at Estoril with 4th and 5th fastest times

The yellow RC211Vs of the Camel Honda team finished the first set of practices for the GP of Portugal with the fourth and fifth fastest times in the afternoon qualifying session. After yesterday’s rainstorms the practices took place in the dry, however tomorrow’s forecast is for more unstable weather. Many riders therefore looked to get a solid qualifying time in to assure good grid position for Sunday’s race. This was particularly the case for Makoto Tamada, somewhat down the grid in Brno the Japanese rider today worked flat out to secure a provisional second row slot. Max Biaggi is still looking for more pace and tomorrow’s sessions will be important to get the best out of the bike.

Sito Pons – Camel Honda (Team Principal)
“We’re working hard on getting the bikes set up for Sunday’s race and we’re also looking to eliminate the chattering that Max has pointed out on the front end. So we have to improve still, especially in terms of rhythm, in order to pick up those precious two or three tenths which make you competitive. We will also be looking for a better grid position tomorrow.”

Max Biaggi – Camel Honda (Michelin Tyres) – 5th – 1:38.609
“I was more or less where I expected to be after this morning’s free practice. We still haven’t been able to sort out the vibrations that come when I’m braking and when I’m pushing it, so that’s still slowing us down a little. We’re obviously keen to resolve this issue and we’ll try and do it tomorrow so we’re not fighting the problem in the race on Sunday. At the moment this hitch is meaning I have to ride a bit too prudently and I’m losing several tenths around the whole track.”

Gianluca Montiron – Camel Honda – (Makoto Tamada Team Manager)
“Makoto got a good lap together at the end of the session. The weather forecasts all predict rain and so Makoto wanted to ensure himself a good grid position in case tomorrow’s practice sessions are in the wet. In tomorrow’s sessions we will refine the final details of the set-up as well as making the tyre choice for the race.”

Makoto Tamada – Camel Honda (Bridgestone Tyres) – 4th – 1:38.342
“I still haven’t found the perfect suspension-tyre combination nor the ideal equilibrium on the bike for this track, but I’m confident about Sunday’s race. Today at the end of the practice I tried to get a good grid position for Sunday, seeing as rain is predicted for tomorrow. The second row provisionally means that I’m a lot more calm about Sunday now. Tomorrow’s my mechanics and I will have time to fine-tune the set-up do we get the sort of pace up which can make the difference in the race.”


More, from a press release issued by Ducati Corse:


Tough start for Ducati Marlboro men

Ducati Marlboro Team riders Loris Capirossi and Troy Bayliss had a tough start to their weekend at Estoril, where Capirossi is due to ride his 100th premier-class race. The Italian and the Australian finished this afternoon’s opening qualifying session in ninth and 12th positions and with plenty of work to do in the run-up to Sunday’s race.

“It’s not been a great day for us,” said Ducati Marlboro Team director Livio Suppo. “We had a really good test session at Brno after the Czech GP but we haven’t been able to use the settings we used there because this circuit is totally different. This morning the track was very slippery which prevented us from making a lot of progress on set-up, but at least conditions were better this afternoon so we could get plenty of data. We are now examining that data and hopefully that will allow us to move forward tomorrow.”

Unfortunately latest weather forecasts predict rain for Saturday at Estoril.

Capirossi ninth on his number two bike

Loris Capirossi ended this afternoon’s session in ninth spot, despite having to ride his number two bike in the latter part of the session. The Ducati Marlboro Team man ended the outing 1.035 seconds off the best lap time set by provisional pole position man Valentino Rossi.

“This afternoon’s session started pretty well but then we had a problem with my number one bike,” said the Italian. “So for the final 15 minutes I jumped on my other machine, but unfortunately I found some difficulties with that bike’s brakes. It’s a shame because I know I could have been faster. Now we work for tomorrow and I just hope the weather will help us. We need to get things right because this is always a tough race, with a lot of laps, so we really need to find a good set-up.”

Bayliss missing something at Estoril

Troy Bayliss didn’t find the ultra-bumpy and slipper Estoril circuit to his liking today. The Ducati Marlboro Team rider ran inside the top ten for much of the afternoon qualifier, slipping to 12th at the end of the hour, albeit only 1.243 seconds off provisional pole position.

“I’m trying hard but I don’t seem to be able to go any faster at the moment,” said the former World Superbike champion. “We’re a second off pole and we’re missing something to be that fast. I felt the bike to be a little unstable on the brakes and I’m also lacking some rear traction, but we’ll keep trying and working at improving things before Sunday’s race.”


More, from a press release issued by Team Suzuki:


Suzuki riders quick to find pace in Portugal

Team Suzuki MotoGP riders John Hopkins and Kenny Roberts Jr were eighth and tenth fastest in today’s first time qualifying session for Sunday’s Portuguese GP, after placing third and second respectively in the morning’s free training.

The pair lost positions as the weather warmed up over the day – the morning had been cool and overcast, the afternoon was bathed in bright sunshine. But while Roberts was concentrating on developing a new setting combination, Hopkins lost his chance of regaining a top position when he had engine trouble with his preferred motorcycle just before fitting soft qualifying tyres at the end of the session. He had to switch to his spare machine, which was not set in the same way as the first, and “just make the best of the situation”.

Today’s qualifying positions could be crucial, with rain forecast for tomorrow afternoon’s final timed session.

The Suzuki teamsters had plenty of new ideas and settings to try, after fruitful tests at Brno after the last round there. Continual development not only of the Suzuki GSV-R MotoGP prototype but also the new-this-season Bridgestone tyres has brought the team closer and closer to regaining competitive positions.

The Portuguese GP, 11th of 16 World Championship rounds, marks the end of the European season, with the GP family taking off for a series of four “flyaway” GPs before returning to Valencia for the final round at the end of October. One more day of training and qualifying remains before Sunday’s race.

John Hopkins – Eighth position, 1:38.822
This morning was good – everyone’s pace was a little bit down, but in recent races Kenny and I have both been quick to get up to speed. I come to races now knowing I can run with the front guys, and that’s what I expect. In the afternoon we had a few minor problems that we sorted, and I was able to stay in the top ten. But it ended up real disappointing. On the last run before fitting qualifying tyres I had an engine problem with my A-bike. I had to switch to the B-bike, which had completely different settings and also some different parts. There was a bit of a mix-up with tyres, but I had to get on that bike and make the best of it. They’ve called rain for tomorrow, so this afternoon was really important for qualifying positions, and I wanted better. I felt I could definitely challenge for the front row. It’s one of those things – we’ll have to see what the weather brings tomorrow. I’ll give 110 percent, as always.

Kenny Roberts Jr. – Tenth position, 1:39.078
It was a little damp this morning, and we’re right there when nobody has a lot of track time. We found a new setting at Czecho that is completely different from what I’ve been using, and is not ideal . it’s worse in some ways, but better for corner speed and acceleration grip. This afternoon we were working on trying to get the bike balanced. The setting compensates for our relative lack of horsepower and acceleration. The guys are going to look into all the possibilities tonight.

Garry Taylor – Team Manager
We had a bit of a messy session in the afternoon, after a great start in the morning. Like everybody else, we were trying to get a time on the board in case it rains tomorrow, but we got thrown by some unexpected problems. I’m sure we’ll get back on track tomorrow.



More, from a press release issued by Telefonica Movistar Honda/Gresini Racing:


Gibernau keeps hs guard up and his feet on the ground

Sete Gibernau was one of four riders to lap inside Loris Capirossi’s pole time from last year on the first day of action at Estoril. The Spanish rider only lost pole with six minutes to go but was happy with the work done and with second place, just 0.031 seconds behind Valentino Rossi. It was a close fight between the two riders, as has become tradition this season, with Sete clocking his best time on lap 23 of 26, using the Honda RC211V he rode to victory at Brno two weeks ago. The Telefónica MoviStar Honda rider decided to begin set-up work on the bike he knows best, leaving development of the latest version delivered by HRC in the Czech Republic and tested on Monday and Tuesday after the race on one side, probably until tomorrow. Colin Edwards has been working to find the best possible set-up balance for his bike and a late decision to switch to the same setting he used at Donington proved correct.

Sete Gibernau (2nd, 1:38.067): “We came here on the back of a good result in the Czech Republic and it is important not to get too carried away and continue working with the same level of concentration as we have up to now. Today we weren’t able to get the best out of the bike or myself, although the final result is positive. I’m looking forward to tomorrow’s session because I know we can improve and we have plenty of margin to do so.”

Colin Edwards (7th, 1:38.738): “We have tried various different set-up solutions and tyres and at the end of the session I felt quite comfortable. I used the same setting as at Donington and I think it can work well here. I am more worried about tyre choice to minimise the effects of chattering, but we’ve got time to keep working on that tomorrow”.

Fausto Gresini (team manager): “It’s a good result – we’ve made the most of the two hours practice today and we’re well placed. Sete was in good form, as always, and we’re getting used to his battles with Valentino Rossi until the end. His time is good and he is pretty clear about his set-up for the race. Colin hasn’t been able to make consistent progress but his final time isn’t bad. Hopefully he can take a step forward tomorrow.”


More, from a press release issued by d’Antin Ducati:

POSITIVE START FOR HODGSON AND XAUS
[03.09.2004]



Estoril (Portugal), 03.09.04 The first day of practice at the Grand Prix of Portugal was positive for both d´Antin MotoGP riders, given that both Neil Hodgson and Rubén Xaus were riding for the first time at the Estoril circuit, finishing in thirteenth and sixteenth places respectively.

This peculiar Portuguese track was a pleasant surprise for the duo, and the British rider’s rapid adaptation caught the eye in particular early on, whilst Xaus made a gradual improvement throughout the day.

NEIL HODGSON: “Everything went well today, and I’m happy. It’s my first time here and I’m happy, the circuit’s quite nice. Given the circumstances I think that it has been a positive day, although I feel I can go even quicker. We need to improve the set-up in general, but especially in the weight distribution because it’s hard to turn the machine, but if we can refine it a little, I’m sure I’ll improve my time. Whatever happens, I think the position isn’t too bad and I’m optimistic.”

RUBEN XAUS : “This is a new circuit for me and that always means it is harder to adapt. In the afternoon things went better than in the free practice. I had a few problems with the brakes because we haven’t made a final decision yet and here that’s fundamental because you brake from 330Km/h down to 70 Km/ h on the straight. I didn’t use qualifying tyres today because I didn’t think I could have done them justice, so tomorrow we will have to sort this out and improve, and I’m the first to recognise that. I like the track, it’s a bit different, and you need to get the set-up spot on.”


More, from a press release issued by MS Aprilia:

Fabrizio builds confidence on Aprilia debut

MS Aprilia Racing newcomer Michel Fabrizio made an assured and confident start to his RS3 Cube debut in today’s opening qualifying session for the Portuguese GP.

Standing in for injured British rider Shane Byrne, the Italian finished 17th quickest for a place on the provisional sixth row of the grid. Fabrizio, who was released by the WCM team to make a one-off appearance for Aprilia, set a best time of 1.40.586s. After a short test at the Mugello circuit in Italy to familiarise himself with the Cube machine, Fabrizio was relieved to see threatening clouds that hung over the 4.1km circuit not materialise into the torrential downpours of yesterday. Desperate for dry track time to adapt to the bike, Fabrizio suffered a small crash during this morning’s session on his way to clocking the 19th best time. He made huge leaps forward this afternoon, reflected in his impressive lap times as he slashed almost three seconds off his best of 1.43.353s set this morning.

Estoril is the slowest circuit on the world championship calendar, and the tight and technical layout make it a challenging experience for riders and engineers to find the right set-up, with the track surface notoriously bumpy. Adding to the challenge for Fabrizio, today was his first proper chance to use Michelin slick tyres, while he was also trying to adapt to the extra horsepower. He said: “Today was a good start, but I made a mistake on my last lap with the qualifying tyre otherwise my time would have been better. I’m still happy because this was my first day on the Cube. On the soft tyre, the bike is not so easy to control in the slow corners. The team is very good, I’m trying to understand what the engineers are telling me and they have helped me a lot. I am just looking and learning to get as much experience as I can because this is a great chance I’ve been given by Aprilia.”

Jeremy McWilliams finished today’s session in 19th position, clocking a best time of 1.40.714s. He said: “It’s not where I planned to be. We had some problems with grip coming out of the slow corners. It isn’t a tyre problem, so we have to make some rear suspension changes overnight.

Today’s times could be all-important with unpredictable weather expected for the rest of the weekend. Estoril’s Atlantic coast location traditionally throws up varied conditions with gusting winds and heavy rain showers a common feature at the Portuguese venue.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Friday Morning’s Provisional AMA Superstock Practice Times:

1. Ben Spies, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:24.953*
2. Tommy Hayden, Kaw ZX-10R, 1:25.095
3. Jason DiSalvo, Yam YZF-R1, 1:25.131
4. Aaron Gobert, Yam YZF-R1, 1:25.177
5. Roger Lee Hayden, Kaw ZX-10R, 1:25.714
6. Jamie Hacking, Yam YZF-R1, 1:26.111
7. Jason Pridmore, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:26.511
8. Josh Hayes, Kaw ZX-10R, 1:26.702
9. Jake Holden, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:26.754
10. Damon Buckmaster, Yam YZF-R1, 1:26.792
11. Vincent Haskovec, Suz GSX-R750, 1:27.010
12. John Haner, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:27.320
13. Steve Rapp, Suz GSX-R750, 1:28.496
14. Eric Wood, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:29.040
15. Alex Gobert, Hon CBR1000RR, 1:29.171
16. Jimmy Moore, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:29.224
17. Jeff Tigert, Hon CBR1000RR, 1:29.522
18. Scott Greenwood, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:29.606
19. Jason Curtis, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:30.372
20. Jesse Janisch, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:30.410
21. Roger Bell, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:30.730
22. J.J. Roetlin, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:31.633
23. Kevin Pate, Yam YZF-R1, 1:32.668
24. James Kerker, Hon CBR1000RR, 1:32.750
25. Matt Lynn, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:32.787
26. Montez Stewart, Yam YZF-R1, 1:33.174
27. Michael McAllister, Hon CBR1000RR, 1:35.513
28. Johnny Rock Page, Yam YZF-R1, 1:35.728
29. Dave Loikits, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:36.636
30. James Bonner, Yam YZF-R1, 1:38.259
31. Rick Shaw, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:43.214
32. Tony Larocca, Suz GSX-R1000, 2:01.866


*Under existing lap record of 1:26.760, set by Josh Hayes on a Suzuki GSX-R750 in 2003.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Friday Morning World Supersport Practice Times:

1. Broc Parkes, Honda CBR600RR, 2:07.460
2. Karl Muggeridge, Honda CBR600RR, 2:07.599
3. Sebastien Charpentier, Honda CBR600RR, 2:07.739
4. Barry Veneman, Suzuki GSX-R600, 2:08.945
5. Kevin Curtain, Yamaha YZF-R6, 2:09.053
6. Jurgen Vd Goorbergh, Yamaha YZF-R6, 2:09.188
7. Andrew Pitt, Yamaha YZF-R6, 2:09.282
8. Alessio Corradi, Honda CBR600RR, 2:09.336
9. Fabien Foret, Yamaha YZF-R6, 2:09.429
10. Matthieu Lagrive, Suzuki GSX-R600, 2:09.596
11. Katsuaki Fujiwara, Suzuki GSX-R600, 2:09.610
12. Jan Hanson, Honda CBR600RR, 2:09.660
13. Arie Vos, Kawasaki ZX-6RR, 2:09.706
14. Kai Borre Andersen, Kawasaki ZX-6RR, 2:09.848
15. Christian Kellner, Yamaha YZF-R6, 2:09.979
16. Stephane Chambon, Suzuki GSX-R600, 2:10.020
17. Werner Daemen, Honda CBR600RR, 2:10.109
18. Lorenzo Lanzi, Ducati 749R, 2:10.273
19. Iain MacPherson, Honda CBR600RR, 2:10.453
20. Sebastien Le Grelle, Honda CBR600RR, 2:10.687

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Provisional World Superbike Qualifying Results:

1. Pierfrancesco Chili, Ducati 998RS, 2:04.028
2. Gianluca Nannelli, Ducati 998RS, 2:04.314
3. Chris Vermeulen, Honda CBR1000RR, 2:04.859
4. Giovanni Bussei, Ducati 998RS, 2:05.086
5. James Toseland, Ducati 999F04, 2:05.096
6. Ivan Clementi, Kawasaki ZX-10R, 2:05.382
7. Leon Haslam, Ducati 999RS, 2:05.410
8. Regis Laconi, Ducati 999F04, 2:05.459
9. Steve Martin, Ducati 999RS, 2:05.552
10. Troy Corser, Foggy Petronas FP1, 2:05.742
11. Mauro Sanchini, Kawasaki ZX-10R, 2:05.876
12. Piergiorgio Bontempi, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 2:05.889
13. Garry McCoy, Ducati 999RS, 2:05.971
14. Noriyuki Haga, Ducati 999RS, 2:06.087
15. Marco Borciani, Ducati 999RS, 2:06.396
16. Chris Walker, Foggy Petronas FP1, 2:06.665
17. Lucio Pedercini, Ducati 998RS, 2:06.847
18. Sergio Fuertes, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 2:08.099
19. Alessio Velini, Yamaha YZF-R1, 2:08.361
20. Warwick Nowland, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 2:09.307

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Friday Morning’s Provisional AMA Formula Xtreme Practice Times:

1. Miguel Duhamel, Hon CBR600RR, 1:26.657
2. Jake Zemke, Hon CBR600RR, 1:26.666
3. Vincent Haskovec, Suz GSX-R600, 1:27.560
4. Doug Chandler, Duc 749R, 1:28.319
5. Mike Ciccotto, Buell XB12R, 1:28.390
6. Jason Pridmore, Suz GSX-R600, 1:28.580
7. Chris Caylor, Suz GSX-R600, 1:29.247
8. Alex Gobert, Hon CBR600RR, 1:29.536
9. Larry Pegram, Yam YZF-R6, 1:29.716
10. Michael Barnes, Buell XB12R, 1:29.858
11. Mike Smith, Yam YZF-R6, 1:30.816
12. Heath Small, Yam YZF-R6, 1:31.471
13. Chris Peris, Suz GSX-R600, 1:31.647
14. Logan Young, Suz GSX-R600, 1:31.704
15. Blake Young, Suz GSX-R600, 1:32.283
16. Perry Melneciuc, Yam YZF-R6, 1:32.591
17. Darin Eli Edwards, Suz GSX-R600, 1:33.245
18. Joseph Arico, Yam YZF-R6, 1:34.025
19. Carlo Gagliardo, Yam YZF-R6, 1:34.188
20. Tom Montano, Hon CBR600RR, 1:34.453
21. Nicky Moore, Hon CBR600RR, 1:35.034
22. Tim Knutson, Yam YZF-R6, 1:35.933
23. John Waters, Suz GSX-R600, 1:36.881
24. Lance Yeager, Yam YZF-R6, 1:37.138
25. Eric Pinson, Suz GSX-R600, 1:37.330
26. Jeremiah Johnson, Suz GSX-R600, 1:37.769
27. Marcus Winfree, Suz GSX-R600, 1:38.148
28. Jim Davis, Yam YZF-R6, 1:39.073
29. Greg White, Buell XB12R, 1:39.316
30. Robert Deily, Suz GSX-R600, 1:40.354