Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Yoshimura Suzuki’s Ben Spies surprised himself and the entire paddock Saturday at Barber Motorsports Park by earning pole position for the AMA Superstock (1000cc) race with a new lap record of 1:26.626 on a 2004-model GSX-R750.

“I knew I could’ve went faster on it (GSX-R1000) and gone faster for two laps, but we’re having front fork issues – after three laps the front tire kind of goes to crap,” Spies told reporters. “We knew we had to race the 750. We knew it might not be strong in qualifying, but in the race, it would be good. We’re just kind of looking at the Championship right now.

“To get the pole, right now, is surprising. I know it shocked some people and hopefully scared some people.”

Spies’ time eclipsed the old Superstock record of 1:27.708, set by defending AMA Superstock Champion Josh Hayes on a GSX-R750 last year.

The pole position is the 13th in 14 1000cc races (Formula Xtreme and Superstock) for Spies since 2003.

Riding a YZF-R1, Jason DiSalvo’s 1:26.851 put him second on the grid, ahead of his three Graves Yamaha teammates Damon Buckmaster (3rd, 1:26.991), Jamie Hacking (4th, 1:27.064) and Aaron Gobert (5th, 1:27.291).

Kawasaki’s Tommy Hayden, Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki’s Steve Rapp, ZX-10R-mounted Roger Lee Hayden, Attack Kawasaki’s Hayes and Rapp’s teammate Vincent Haskovec rounded out the top 10 qualifiers.

Rapp and Haskovec also qualified (and plan to race) on GSX-R750s.

Provisional AMA Superstock Qualifying Results:

1. Ben Spies, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:26.626
2. Jason DiSalvo, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:26.851
3. Damon Buckmaster, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:26.991
4. Jamie Hacking, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:27.064
5. Aaron Gobert, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:27.291
6. Tommy Hayden, Kawasaki ZX-10R, 1:27.400
7. Steve Rapp, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:27.411
8. Roger Lee Hayden, Kawasaki ZX-10R, 1:27.443
9. Josh Hayes, Kawasaki ZX-10R, 1:27.446
10. Vincent Haskovec, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:27.474
11. Alex Gobert, Honda CBR1000RR, 1:27.955
12. John Haner, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:28.194
13. Geoff May, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:28.330
14. Jason Pridmore, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:28.487
15. Eric Wood, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:28.552
16. Jake Holden, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:28.824
17. David Weber, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:31.111
18. J.J. Roetlin, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:31.161
19. Jason Curtis, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:31.686
20. Christian Pistoni, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:32.044
21. Montez Stewart, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:32.838
22. Brian Hall, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:33.165
23. Marco Martinez, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:33.568
24. William Johnson, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:34.069
25. Michael Hanley, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:34.641
26. James Kerker, Honda CBR1000RR, 1:36.057
27. Robert Deily, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:36.959
28. Chris Caylor, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 2:04.514

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Saturday Morning’s Provisional AMA Superstock Practice Times:

1. Jamie Hacking, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:27.157
2. Aaron Gobert, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:27.269
3. Damon Buckmaster, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:27.401
4. Jason DiSalvo, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:27.434
5. Tommy Hayden, Kawasaki ZX-10R, 1:27.621
6. Josh Hayes, Kawasaki ZX-10R, 1:27.736
7. Steve Rapp, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:27.761
8. Ben Spies, Suzuki, 1:27.944
9. Alex Gobert, Honda CBR1000RR, 1:28.027
10. Vincent Haskovec, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:28.253
11. Geoff May, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:28.612
12. Roger Lee Hayden, Kawasaki ZX-10R, 1:28.677
13. Jason Pridmore, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:28.740
14. Eric Wood, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:29.424
15. Chris Caylor, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:30.177
16. Jake Holden, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:30.888
17. David Weber, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:31.093
18. Jason Curtis, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:31.556
19. Christian Pistoni, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:32.288
20. Brian Hall, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:33.481
21. Montez Stewart, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:33.736
22. J.J. Roetlin, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:34.391
23. Jeremiah Johnson, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:34.757
24. Michael Hanley, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:34.846
25. William Johnson, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:35.081
26. Robert Deily, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:37.942
27. Ron McGill, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:38.230
28. James Kerker, Honda CBR1000RR, 1:38.942
29. John Haner, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:46.756

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Empire Suzuki is in financial trouble and riders Lee Acree and Opie Caylor have been left largely to their own devices for the remainder of the 2004 racing season.

The Empire Suzuki semi-truck is not at Barber Motorsports Park, and Acree and Caylor are working under two canopies set up next to Acree’s motorhome and small trailer.

The pair have abandoned running in the Superstock class and are concentrating on Superbike races, which pay a better purse.

Empire Suzuki was set up as an official American Suzuki support team, one of about eight teams the company has supported to one degree or another for the 2004 season.

More information will be posted as it becomes available.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Saturday Morning’s World Superbike Qualifying Results:

1. Regis Laconi, Ducati 999F04, 1:48.643
2. Chris Vermeulen, Honda CBR1000RR, 1:48.710
3. Pierfrancesco Chili, Ducati 999RS, 1:48.895 4. Noriyuki Haga, Ducati 999RS, 1:48.997
5. Marco Borciani, Ducati 999RS, 1:49.089
6. James Toseland, Ducati 999F04, 1:49.781
7. Garry McCoy, Ducati 999RS, 1:49.789
8. Gianluca Nannelli, Ducati 998RS, 1:49.911
9. Leon Haslam, Ducati 999RS, 1:50.052
10. Chris Walker, Foggy Petronas FP1, 1:50.304
11. Troy Corser, Foggy Petronas FP1, 1:50.364
12. Lucio Pedercini, Ducati 998RS, 1:50.366
13. Steve Martin, Ducati 999RS, 1:50.659
14. Mauro Sanchini, Kawasaki ZX-10R, 1:50.759
15. Paolo Blora, Ducati 999RS, 1:50.877
16. Piergiorgio Bontempi, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:50.914
17. Ivan Clementi, Kawasaki ZX-10R, 1:51.318
18. Giancarlo De Matteis, Ducati 998RS, 1:51.558
19. Sergio Fuertes, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:52.154
20. Alessio Velini, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:52.224

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Saturday Morning’s Provisional AMA Formula Xtreme Practice Times:

1. Jake Zemke, Honda CBR600RR, 1:28.627
2. Vincent Haskovec, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:28.737
3. Alex Gobert, Honda CBR600RR, 1:29.097
4. Miguel Duhamel, Honda CBR600RR, 1:29.135
5. Jason Pridmore, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:30.147
6. Jake Holden, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:31.020
7. Mike Ciccotto, Buell XB9R, 1:31.070
8. Mike Smith, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:31.197
9. Danny Eslick, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:31.566
10. Michael Barnes, Buell XB9R, 1:31.648
11. Larry Pegram, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:31.960
12. Heath Small, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:33.091
13. Darin Eli Edwards, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:34.055
14. Nathan Hester, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:34.178
15. Joseph Arico, Yamaha, 1:34.278
16. Carlo Gagliardo, Yamaha, 1:34.420
17. Nicky Moore, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:34.611
18. Perry Melneciuc, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:34.956
19. Derek Keyes, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:36.080
20. William Johnson, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:37.944
21. Adrian Jones, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:39.320

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Provisional Combined AMA Superbike Qualifying Results:

1. Mat Mladin, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:25.251
2. Ben Bostrom, Honda CBR1000RR, 1:25.445
3. Jake Zemke, Honda CBR1000RR, 1:25.519
4. Miguel Duhamel, Honda CBR1000RR, 1:25.760
5. Aaron Yates, Suzuki CBR1000RR, 1:26.019
6. Josh Hayes, Kawasaki ZX-10R, 1:27.508
7. Eric Bostrom, Ducati 999F04, 1:27.648
8. John Haner, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:28.331
9. Geoff May, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:28.681
10. Eric Wood, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:28.978
11. Shawn Higbee, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:29.053
12. Chris Caylor, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:29.163
13. Lee Acree, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:29.316
14. Jeremy Toye, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:29.435
15. Larry Pegram, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:29.542

From a press release issued by Ten Kate Honda:

Vermeulen On Monza Provisional Front Row

Chris Vermeulen (Ten Kate Honda CBR1000RR) ran out an impressive third after the first qualifying session at Monza, despite making his Superbike debut at the fastest track of Vermeulen’s rookie Superbike season. Double World Supersport champions Ten Kate are also new to the Superbike class but have already made great strides in the race preparation of Honda’s awesome CBR1000RR Fireblade.

The first exposure of the machine to a true high-speed track saw the Honda as fast as any other bike in a straight line, and a well-balanced package at the first attempt. Vermeulen’s time of 1:49.665 was third fastest of the 24 riders, with Regis Laconi on Provisional pole position, with a time of 1:48.701.

For Vermeulen, the first day was one of new experiences. “I’ve raced here before but it’s all new on this bike. This is the first high-speed track this bike has been to and we have a few different things. We have wider rear wheels rims, different brake settings, and basic set-up. The bike is not slow and I’m quite happy at the moment. I am about point nine of a second from the fastest rider, however, so there is obviously a bit to go yet. Braking here is very different from riding a 600, as you have a higher speed of approach. We are working through a different selection of brake pads to choose which ones give the best power and wear characteristics.”

Team Manager Ronald Ten Kate expressed his delight at such a strong showing on only the first day. “A perfect start for Chris. It has been the same story as previous races, trying to get a set-up quickly at each track. Luckily enough the bike is already very close to what Chris wants. For tomorrow we have to select a race tyre and then use the qualifying tyres. We didn’t use them today so tomorrow morning we will have two shots at pole.”

World Superbike Championship
Round Four – Monza, Italy
14 – 16 May 2004
First Qualifying
1. R. Laconi, FRA, Ducati 999 F04, 1:48.701
2. P. Chili, ITA, Ducati 999 RS, 1:49.037
3. C. Vermeulen, AUS, Ten Kate Honda CBR1000RR, 1:49.655
4. J. Toseland, GBR, Ducati 999 F04, 1:49.781
5. G. Nannelli, ITA, Ducati 998 RS, 1:49.911
6. G. Mccoy, AUS, Ducati 999RS, 1:49.962
7. N. Haga, JPN, Ducati 999 RS, 1:50.251
8. M. Borciani, ITA, Ducati 999 RS, 1:50.342
9. S. Martin, AUS, Ducati 999 RS, 1:50.659
M. Sanchini, ITA, Kawasaki ZX 10, 1:50.759


D.N.F Broc Parkes, AUS, Ten Kate Honda CBR600RR crashed after 14 laps


Muggeridge Rules Monza Day One Qualifying

Ten Kate Honda rider Karl Muggeridge (Ten Kate Honda CBR600RR) secured provisional pole position after a magnificent display of high speed prowess around the 5.793km circuit of Monza. After three events with rain playing its unwelcome part in qualifying, the dry and sunny atmosphere at Monza was only matched by the smiles in the Ten Kate pit garage.



Muggeridge showed that his early pace at this classic Italian circuit was a seamless continuation of his winning form from the previous event at Misano, with ‘Muggas’ generally topping the qualifying session through its 45-minute duration. His lap of 1:51.939 is still a little way off of his 2003 best of 1:51.480, leaving Muggeridge something to aim for on the final day of qualifying on Saturday 15th.

Broc Parkes (Ten Kate Honda CBR600RR) was eight fastest, with a time of 1:54.529, the Aussie still working his way through suspension settings suitable for the challenge of the high speed corners and heavy braking at the numerous chicanes.

For Muggeridge, the opening day was a big success, but better may still come. “I think we can still improve the bike and if we do that then more speed will come. I’m having to work reasonably hard for that time so right now I want to improve the setting, to get the tyres working to their full capacity. We think we have the right tyre to run the race but we want to get it to work to its optimum. The track surface should improve even more tomorrow, as the bikes clean it off.”

Said Parkes, looking forward to the final session, “That wasn’t so bad but we did try a few different things in the session and went in a few wrong directions, losing a bit of time. For sure we can go faster tomorrow than today. It’s just a few suspension changes. Karl went fast from the start but I have to try and build up to him.”

Team Manager Ronald Ten Kate recognised the efforts put in by riders, team and sponsors. “The engine configuration is the same as the previous races but we have a new full exhaust system from Arrow, which they worked really hard to get to us for this race. It is obviously working very well. Karl showed last year that he is remarkably fast at this track, and for Broc we will try to get him further up the grid. I’m sure we’ll find a solution overnight to also put Broc on the front row.”

World Supersport Championship
Round Four – Monza, Italy
14 – 16 May 2004
First Qualifying


1. K. Muggeridge, AUS, Ten Kate Honda CBR600RR, 1:51.939
2. F. Foret, FRA, Yamaha YZF R6, 1:53.116
3. S. Charpentier, FRA, Honda CBR600RR, 1:53.159
4. J.vd Goorbergh, NED, Yamaha YZF R6, 1:53.694
5. L. Lanzi, ITA, Ducati 749 R, 1:53.698
6. K. Curtain, AUS, Yamaha YZF R6, 1:54.235
7. S. Chambon, FRA, Suzuki GSX 600R, 1:54.521
8. B. Parkes, AUS, Ten Kate Honda CBR600RR, 1:54.529
9. C. Migliorati, ITA, Kawasaki ZX6 RR, 1:54.576
C. Kellner, GER, Yamaha YZF R6, 1:54.617


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

Garry McCoy sixth fastest in Monza after the first qualifying


Finally a nice weather day for the World Superbike circus after the flood of Misano. With an air temperature of 22°C and under a light sun Garry McCoy rode his 999RS Xerox Ducati Nortel Networks on the historical track of Monza, a quite unknown track for the Australian rider.

After spending the morning’s free practice session to find a good set up, in the afternoon McCoy earned the sixth position, but he’s confident to have the possibility to be faster tomorrow.

“This track is totally new for me.” – said Garry McCoy at the end of the day – “That’s not a track very difficult to learn and I like it, but some corners are a bit dangerous, with short escape space. The most difficult job on this circuit is to find the right braking point after the long and very fast line, you need a lot of practice. We worked all the morning’s free practice session for a good set up and at the end we found a good result; now I feel the bike as I want on the front and the tyres are looking very good.. The sixth fastest it’s a good performance, we are 1,2 seconds behind the top and I’m sure to do better tomorrow. We’ll do some other test and we’ll continue working hard as we have been doing. I’m confident to improve my performance.”

Unlucky debut at Monza for Miguel Praia, who was riding the ex Laconi 998RS, hoping to find a better feeling with the old bike as what he has with the more powerful, but more nervous too, new 999RS machine. The Portuguese rider suffered a big crash during the morning’s free practice session at Parabolica corner, without bad injuries (a shot in the right hand and some brushes), but bad damages to the bike which the team couldn’t repair in time for the afternoon session, and he lost the qualifying session. Praia will be ready to run for the final qualifying session tomorrow morning.

Also in Monza will ride as wild card Giancarlo De Matteis, on the 999RS; 22nd fastest after a crash at about half an hour to finish the session.

“It’s a pity that I crash during the qualifying session, I ruined all the work we have done. I’ve never ridden the 999RS before, but I like it, also it’s a bit different of the 998. I was running quite well, then my crash at the first Lesmo corner stopped me along the circuit. I’m confident to get a better result tomorrow.”


More, from a press release issued by Ducati Corse:

LACONI (DUCATI FILA) QUICKEST AGAIN IN FRIDAY SUPERBIKE QUALIFYING – TOSELAND FOURTH

Monza (Italy), Friday 14 May 2004: Regis Laconi (Ducati Fila) once again dominated Friday’s World Superbike qualifying session, this time at Monza for round 4. Aboard his 999R F04, the Frenchman set the quickest time of the day in 1:48.701, three tenths of a second faster than championship leader Pierfrancesco Chili (PSG-1 Ducati). Laconi also recorded the top speed on the long Monza start-finish straight, clocking 309 km/h. Team-mate James Toseland was fourth, one second off Laconi’s pace.

“That was not so bad today!” commented Laconi. “We are working well on the suspension of the bike, even though the track was different from last week’s testing. We did a lot of laps with a race tyre, just like this morning when we almost did a race distance. I just put a qualifying tyre on at the end of the afternoon session but I am only two-tenths faster and I know I can do a lot better with a ‘Q’. Monza is strange; if you push too much you lose time because the braking is so important. Maybe I am braking a bit too early and I have to try tomorrow to be a bit more aggressive for the fast lap with the qualifiers.”

James Toseland, fourth in today’s opening session, was quite happy with his time after making a few changes late in the hour. “I didn’t have much rear grip for most of the session but we made a change to the ride height and the suspension and I was immediately half a second quicker at the end” he declared. “We need to go in that direction, the bike is now how it should be and it has been some time since I’ve felt that good. The conditions are not the same as in last week’s testing and the Monza track can change quite a lot, but I feel happy to be going in the right direction. I was having to push hard in sixth before this change but now I’m comfortable on the bike in fourth.”


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

The long straights and high speeds of Monza, the fastest of the Superbike World Championship circuits, today provided an immediate test of the latest phase of PETRONAS FP1 development.

With this stage of engine development focussing on reliability and consistency, and following a trouble-strewn corresponding round last year, the first day’s qualifying for the fourth round of the Superbike World Championship produced early signs of encouragement for the latter stages of the season, when further performance progress is expected from subsequent engine developments.

Riders spend as much as 40 per cent of their lap with wide-open throttle, testing the engine to the limit. And, although the four long straights provide plenty of slip-streaming opportunities, the drafting effect can also pose temperature control problems. An added complication is the predominantly clockwise nature of the circuit, with only two left-hand corners, prompting Pirelli to produce a dual compound rear tyre with harder rubber on the right hand side of the carcass.

However, both FPR riders Chris Walker and Troy Corser were confident that areas for improvement had been highlighted for tomorrow’s final qualifying sessions after finishing the afternoon qualifying in 11th and 13th respectively.

Chris said: “So far so good. I feel we have made a big stride forward today by using the new gas front forks. I have tried them a couple of times before but not had enough time to get a feel for them because of the weather. I am happy enough with the lap times as there a lot of other riders within touching distance and I know we can improve tomorrow. I am still a little bit unsure of the rear shock setting as it feels good when the tyres are a few laps old, but then feels like it has worked the tyre far too hard after that. I used a qualifying tyre in the afternoon session and that is the best it has felt so far, although still with a little bit of chatter and especially on entry into the two left chicanes.”

Troy said: “I have got a set-up which is not too bad and I think we are close with the gearing. But the straights feel really long and, when you are down on top speed and there are three long straights, it can make up to a second a lap difference. We have found the front tyre that we want. When I try the harder rear tyres I have been struggling in the left-hand corners and, if you don’t get those corners right, you can lose a half a second. But I guess this is pretty much as we expected for Monza at this stage of the engine development.”


More, from a press release issued by FGSport Group:

FRIDAY QUALIFYING – LACONI FASTEST AT FIRST ATTEMPT

The Wind Cries Laconi: After the first high speed blasts around the classic circuit of Monza in northern Italy Regis Laconi (Ducati Fila 999F04) roared off with the provisional pole position securely in his grasp. His best lap of 1:48.701, at an average speed of over 190kmph, was 0.336 seconds faster than second place rider Pierfrancesco Chili (PSG-1 Ducati 998). The sighting of the radar trap was a matter for some discussion in the paddock and meant that the top speeds posted on the timesheets – over 300kmph for some – were probably less lofty than the real figures.

Honda Homeland: The best-placed four cylinder machine in the championship, the Ten Kate Honda CBR1000RR of Chris Vermeulen, was also the best placed on the Monza provisional grid. Third overall after the first of two timed sessions, Vermeulen’s Honda was almost a second slower than leader Laconi, but with more to come for this all-new SBK entry.

On His Toes: Ducati Fila factory pilot James Toseland, second in the championship battle at present time, was fourth fastest on the opening exchanges. Just over 1 second shy of his team-mate’s time, Toseland has reverted to a more basic machine set-up than of late, in an attempt to get back to winning ways.

Local Boy Comes Good: Gianluca Nannelli was in sparkling form on his home circuit, proving that even a customer 998RS machine can be competitive at one of the fastest circuits on the calendar. The forceful Italian headed off Phillip Island race winner Garry McCoy (Xerox Ducati Nortel 999RS) to finish his first Monza Superbike day fifth.

Injury Interrupts Martin: Top-level private rider Steve Martin suffered a high speed fall from his DFX Ducati 999RS and will undergo a medical check tomorrow morning to find out if his injured elbow is recovered enough to allow him to race on Sunday. Despite his fall, Martin was classified ninth, behind Noriykui Haga (seventh) and Marco Borciani, Martin’s own team-mate.

Petronas Progresses: The new engine spec on the unique Petronas three cylinder machine came on stream at Monza, but as the team expected, their engine was not capable of propelling Troy Corser or Chris Walker into the upper echelons on day one. Walker was 11th, Corser 13th.

Record number of guests: The total number of VIP and sponsor guests coming to Monza this weeked creates a new record for a World Superbike event.

Supersport: In the fourth round of the World Supersport Championship, the first day’s field of battle was taken, in emphatic fashion, by Karl Muggeridge (Ten Kate Honda CBR600RR). The Misano race winner went some 1.177 seconds faster than French rider Fabien Foret. The Yamaha Italia pilot is on his team’s home ground at Monza, as their base is located just outside the former royal park that the Monza circuit lies within. Sebastien Charpentier (Klaffi Honda) was third quickest, with Foret’s team-mate Jurgen van den Goorbergh, the championship leader at present, fourth quickest. Lorenzo Lanzi was the fastest Ducati rider on display, posting an impressive top speed of 292kmph.

Final qualifying for each class takes place tomorrow, Saturday 15th.


More, from a press release issued by Belgarda Yamaha:

Yamaha Racing
Yamaha Italia World Supersport Team Newsletter
Date: 14th May 2004
Circuit: Monza, m. 5.793
Friday Qualifying
Weather: sun Temperature: air 22° track 33°
Crowd:10.000

PROVISIONAL FRONT ROW FOR FABIEN AND JURGEN
Team Yamaha Racing Italia riders Fabien Foret and Jurgen van den Goorbergh finished the first day’s qualifying second and fourth and both are ready to attack pole position tomorrow. Fastest lap of the day went to Aussie Karl Muggeridge (Honda), who blasted his way round the 5.793 kilometre circuit with a lap of 1:51.939. Today’s two sessions took place in near ideal positions and the lap times tumbled throughout the whole day as a result.

FABIEN FORET ­ 2nd, 1:53.116
I’m very happy with how today went. The Yamaha R6 was very fast and I feel very motivated to do well here. So far this season, my results haven’t been as good as I would’ve liked, and Monza would be an ideal place to do well. I won here in 2002, so it’s a good place for me. Muggeridge was very fast today, but being fast in practice is not as important as being fast on raceday. My plan is to stay with him at the beginning and be ready to make my move at the end.

JURGEN VD GOORBERGH ­ 4th, 1:53.694
At the end of the afternoon (timed) session I let Fabien slipstream me and that allowed him to post the second quickest lap time of the day. I’m happy because we finished second and fourth and that’s good for the whole team. My goal is to finish qualifying with a front row grid position. I don’t normally do ‘sensational’ laps in qualifying because I concentrate on getting everything ready for the race itself. I feel very confident this weekend and I think I can get a good result.

CLAUDIO CONSONNI (Racing Manager)
Muggeridge has a big advantage but we’re not surprised because we saw the Honda top the timings at Valencia. But in the race we finished first and second! The challenge is very hard, but we are optimistic of getting good results on Sunday. We have done a lot of work on the clutch; so that our riders can be with Muggeridge going into turn one on the first lap. Then they can stay with him and be inn a good position to attack at the end of the race

Friday qualifying
1 Muggeridge (AUS-Honda) 1:51.939, 2 FORET (F-YAMAHA RACING ITALIA) 1:53.116, 3 Charpentier (F-Honda) 1:53.159, 4 VD GOORBERGH (NL-YAMAHA RACING ITALIA) 1:53.694, 5 Lanzi (I-Ducati) 1:53.698, 6 Curtain (AUS-Yamaha) 1:54.235, 7 Chambon (F-Suzuki) 1:54.521, 8 Parkes (AUS-Honda 1:54.529, 9 Migliorati (I-Kawasaki) 1:54.576, 10 Kellner (D-Yamaha) 1:54.617

EUROPEAN SUPERSTOCK CHAMPIONSHIP
Yamaha riders Gianluca Vizziello and Lorenzo Alfonsi totally dominated today’s qualifying at Monza and ended the day with a perfect 1-2. Their Italia Lorenzini by Leoni R1 Yamahas were also the fastest bikes through the speed traps, with speeds of 297 kph.

NEWS
Monza is the home race for Yamaha Racing Italia and the Italian fans are always very enthusiastic at the track. The traffic police have prepared for this event by putting into action the same traffic control plan is they would carry out for the F1 race. The team’s garage and hospitality is the centre of attention in the paddock and will be visited by numerous VIPs throughout the weekend. At the exit of the Ascari chicane, Yamaha fans have their own grandstand where they watch the action and cheer on their riders.


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

NOT SO LUCKY THIRTEENTH FOR TROY!

Troy ended the first day of qualifying at Monza with the thirteenth quickest time and is provisionally on the fourth row of the grid. With a top speed some seventeen kph slower then provisional pole-setter Regis Laconi (Ducati), Troy and his Foggy Petronas FP1 team are going to need something special tomorrow if they are too get on terms with the leaders. Second quickest today is crowd favourite Frankie Chili (Ducati), with Chris Vermeulen (Honda) third and James Toseland (Ducati) fourth.

TROY – 13th, 1:50.950
We’re struggling for top speed here and Monza is definitely a place where you need top speed. We’re not so bad in the corners, but being seventeen Ks slower then the leader doesn’t do us any favours. We had an engine problem with one bike and I didn’t really get a chance to try any qualifiers and that’s reflected in my lap times. I don’t find Monza an exciting track to ride, because it’s just a pure horsepower track. It’s not very technical and I find it a bit boring really. Recently we had a day of testing with the new Foggy Petronas engine development team, but it’s too early to say how much the bike is improving at the moment. Tomorrow should be better for us and I aim to finish the day much higher up the grid, so that I can be in touch with the leaders come raceday.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Friday’s Provisional World Supersport Qualifying Results:

1. Karl Muggeridge, Honda CBR600RR, 1:51.939
2. Fabien Foret, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:53.116
3. Sebastien Charpentier, Honda CBR600RR, 1:53.159
4. Jurgen Vd Goorbergh, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:53.694
5. Lorenzo Lanzi, Ducati 749R, 1:53.698
6. Kevin Curtain, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:54.235
7. Stephane Chambon, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:54.521
8. Broc Parkes, Honda CBR600RR, 1:54.529
9. Cristiano Migliorati, Kawasaki ZX-6RR, 1:54.576
10. Christian Kellner, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:54.617
11. Katsuaki Fujiwara, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:54.689
12. Diego Giugovaz, Honda CBR600RR, 1:54.846
13. Jan Hanson, Honda CBR600RR, 1:55.101
14. Vittorio Iannuzzo, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:55.164
15. Giovanni Bussei, Ducati 749R, 1:55.215

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Parts Unlimited PJ1 Erion Honda’s Jake Zemke topped Friday afternoon’s AMA Superbike practice session at Barber Motorsports Park. Zemke turned a lap of 1:26.380 on his Dunlop-fitted CBR1000RR Superbike, quicker than Aaron Yates’ fast time from the morning practice (1:26.431), in spite of the 50-minute afternoon session being fully-dry for only the final 20 minutes.

Unofficially, Zemke also appeared to be one of the quickest riders during the damp first half of the session. However, Parts Unlimited Ducati Austin’s Eric Bostrom, who rides a Michelin-sponsored 999F04, was seen catching Zemke while the majority of the track was still wet.

Several of the top privateer Superbike riders – like Shawn Higbee and John Haner – did not go out in the mixed conditions of the afternoon session.

Friday Afternoon’s Provisional AMA Superbike Practice Times:

1. Jake Zemke, Honda, 1:26.380
2. Ben Bostrom, Honda, 1:26.847
3. Mat Mladin, Suzuki, 1:27.392
4. Aaron Yates, Suzuki, 1:27.692
5. Miguel Duhamel, Honda, 1:28.133
6. Josh Hayes, Kawasaki, 1:28.305
7. Eric Bostrom, Ducati, 1:28.462
8. Larry Pegram, Yamaha, 1:30.187
9. Chris Caylor, Suzuki, 1:30.407
10. Lee Acree, Suzuki, 1:30.775
11. Michael Sanchez, Suzuki, 1:31.007
12. Jeremy Toye, Yamaha, 1:31.323
13. Jack Pfeifer, Honda, 1:32.756
14. Mike Sullivan, Yamaha, 1:32.789
15. Byron Barbour, Suzuki, 1:33.719
16. Cory West, Suzuki, 1:34.001
17. C.R. Gittere, Suzuki, 1:34.178
18. Kevin Pate, Yamaha, 1:35.350
19. Rick Narup, Suzuki, 1:36.065
20. Scott Carpenter, Suzuki, 1:36.097

From a press release issued by Red Bull – KTM:

The World Championship Road Racing Circus moved this weekend to the cold France. The KTM riders in the morning of the first day of practice showed again the potentiality of their FRR motorbikes. Unfortunately both riders crashed in the afternoon but without any serious consequences. Stoner finished 9th while Kallio finished 14th.

Stoner – It was a place were you normally can open the gas without problem. I have been to the Mobile Clinic because I thought the shoulder was broken but it’s not: it was just the impact. Maybe tomorrow I’ll not be 100% fit but of course I’ll do my best.

Kallio – I made a mistake in the corner…I come back to the pit box but with the second bike I couldn’t make anything better. I hope tomorrow to improve my time in order to start the race from the first rows! Basically the bike is fine and if its not raining I think I can finish among the first ones.

Bartol – Both riders crashed because they made a mistake: it happens! Casey gas it too early with new tyres on, while Mika made the corner wrong. I hope tomorrow they will both be fine!


More, from a press release issued by Gauloises Fortuna Yamaha:

CHECA ON PROVISIONAL FRENCH FRONT ROW AND ROSSI SEVENTH

Gauloises Fortuna Yamaha rider Carlos Checa took full advantage of a dry and sunny first qualifying session at the Le Mans circuit today, putting himself in provisional third position for Sunday’s race after a string of consistently fast laps. Meanwhile, reigning World Champion and team-mate Valentino Rossi spent his first time on the M1 machine at the French circuit trying to overcome some minor set-up problems, finishing provisional seventh.

Checa, who was third fastest in this morning’s free practice, took the lead on his tenth lap of the hour-long qualifying session. Moments later he relinquished the top spot to Honda rider Colin Edwards, before taking it back again with 20 minutes remaining when he posted his fastest lap of 1:34.207. Rossi moved up to third place with 14 minutes to go, before finishing the day in seventh with a time of 1:34.307. In the dying stages Checa was pushed down to third as Edwards took the lead once more with a new circuit best lap of 1:33.870 and then Nicky Hayden (Honda) jumped into second with a time of 1:33.966. Yamaha compatriot Marco Melandri (1:34.260), Sete Gibernau (Honda – 1:34.288) and Makoto Tamada (Honda – 1:34.303) finished fourth, fifth and sixth respectively.

CARLOS CHECA (3rd – 1:34.207)

“I feel quite good today; the bike felt quite different and had improved feeling. We’ve been changing a few settings and my lap times are already good, but I need more grip at the front. The new track surface is really nice; I appreciate what they’ve done. The only risky area is the chicanes, where I crashed three years ago. If someone crosses them or crashes you end up with gravel on the track – like what happened with the 125’s this morning. Anyway, hopefully we’ll make the small changes I need for tomorrow and hopefully I can stay up at the top.”

VALENTINO ROSSI (7th – 1:34.307)

“I had some problems today and I couldn’t ride the way I wanted to – at 100%. I’m mainly having braking problems and the bike doesn’t feel stable. We’ve made some changes to the front and some changes to the back but I still can’t improve. Towards the end we made some positive steps, but not enough. The Yamaha corners well and is very agile, but we’re still a way behind the others. The fact that Carlos and Marco are doing well gives me confidence and we’ll see what happens tomorrow.”

ANTONIO JIMENEZ – CARLOS CHECA’S CREW CHIEF

“Carlos definitely likes this track – he normally does well here, although he didn’t finish some races here in the past due to unfortunate circumstances. We started with the same bike set-up here as in Jerez. Carlos did a few laps this morning and liked it immediately so the changes we made were very slight and this is definitely the solution. He needs a little bit more stability in the front tyre and, if we can find this tomorrow without making any big changes, then for sure he can fight again for the front row.”


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

Good start for Xaus and Hodgson

Le Mans (France), 14.05.04 The d´Antin MotoGP riders enjoyed a satisfactory first day of qualifying for the French Grand Prix today, working hard to prepare their machines as well as possible for Sunday’s race.

Rubén Xaus qualified thirteenth fastest, just over a second off provisional pole position, whilst Neil Hodgson found himself back in nineteenth – both riders demonstrating that they can be competitive on their first visit to Le Mans with the Ducati Desmosedici.

RUBEN XAUS was in relaxed mood as he looked forward to the two remaining sessions tomorrow: “The circuit has changed a lot since the last time I was here but I generally I have felt comfortable here. The sun shone today and I was able to work as I like, although I’m still lacking experience – especially with the qualification tyre. Everything takes time and there is no need to rush – we have reshuffled the team and we are working towards the objective of getting amongst the top ten on a regular basis, but first of all we have to consolidate what we’ve got.”

NEIL HODGSON had been hoping for a higher initial grid position but is confident of making up ground tomorrow: “Obviously the position isn’t satisfactory but you have to put things into context. I could have ended the day higher up but I was held up by traffic when I put the soft tyre on and I couldn’t get a clean lap. We’ve worked hard on the set-up for the race but we have a lot of room for improvement and hopefully things will go better tomorrow.”

TIMES:

1st C.Edwards 1.33.870
2nd N.Hayden 1.33.966
3rd C.Checa 1.34.207
4th M.Melandri 1.34.260
5th S.Gibernau 1.34.288

13th RUBÉN XAUS 1.35.041
19th NEIL HODGSON 1.35.721


More, from a press release issued by Fuchs Kawasaki:

NAKANO SHOWS HIS PACE AS HOFMANN SUFFERS FRUSTRATION

Fuchs Kawasaki’s Shinya Nakano waited until the dying moments of this afternoon’s opening qualifying session for Sunday’s French Grand Prix, before stopping the clock with a time of 1:34.381 to finish ninth fastest and claim a position on the third row of the provisional grid.

While Nakano’s day ended on a high, the opening day at Le Mans was one of frustration for his Fuchs Kawasaki teammate, Alex Hofmann. The 23-year-old German rider struggled to find a set up he was comfortable with this morning; a problem exacerbated by a couple of minor technical glitches with his Ninja ZX-RR machines.

Determined to give their rider the best possible package for this afternoon’s qualifying session, Hofmann’s pit crew worked flat out between practices; changing engines, gearboxes and chassis settings on his two Ninja ZX-RR machines in a bid to give the Fuchs Kawasaki rider a base set up from which he could work.

But it was to no avail. Despite the changes offering minor improvements, Hofmann still didn’t feel confident enough with the set up to push his Ninja ZX-RR to the limit during this afternoon’s hour long qualifying session, with the result that he ended a disappointing 18th fastest. Despite the problems, Hofmann remains confident that, together with his crew, he can find a solution during tomorrow’s final practice and qualifying sessions.

Eager to test the new track surface here at Le Mans, Shinya Nakano was one of the first out on track for morning practice, where it immediately became apparent to the 26-year-old Japanese rider that additional grip doesn’t always equate to faster lap times. Problems with the rear pumping out of the turns meant that Nakano ended the session further down the time sheet than expected.

Changes made by Nakano’s pit crew to the number 56 Ninja ZX-RR immediately after free practice improved matters for the start of this afternoon’s first qualifying session, with the popular Japanese rider immediately improving on his previous best time. The improvements continued throughout the session until, with less than one minute of timed practice remaining, the Fuchs Kawasaki rider flashed across the line aboard his Ninja ZX-RR to claim ninth position on the provisional grid.

With just half a second separating the top nine riders on the provisional grid, tomorrow’s final qualifying session at Le Mans promises to be the closest seen so far this season.

Shinya Nakano: 9th (1:34.381)
“We had a few problems with the rear pumping this morning, maybe as a result of the increased grip levels offered by the new track surface. We made some changes to the rear of the bike this afternoon to combat this problem, but while it definitely felt better during qualifying, I think there is still room for us to make further improvements in this area tomorrow. I didn’t feel so confident braking from high speed this morning, but again, we managed to sort that out before the start of this afternoon’s qualifying session. Today we’ve tested two specifications of engine, but one definitely seems to offer an advantage over the other, so we’ll stick with this for the next two days. Tomorrow we’ll try to identify a good race tyre, as well as further improving the overall handling of the bike.”

Alex Hofmann: 18th (1:35.718)
“I wish we could start today again to be honest. We haven’t really made the progress with the bike we were hoping to during today’s two practice sessions. For some reason the bike just hasn’t felt right on track today, and whatever changes we tried didn’t seem to improve things. We need to go through the data tonight to see if we can identify where we can make improvements. Although we’re now under pressure to get everything sorted in the limited track time we have available tomorrow, I have the utmost confidence in my crew and I’m sure they’ll pull something out of the bag once again.”


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

Makoto and Max finish first qualifying
with 6th and 8th fastest times

First qualifying session for the French GP and the times are already at an incredible level. The lap times are one and a half seconds quicker than last season, with a new asphalt surface proving significantly better than before. Max Biaggi was fastest in the morning free practice with a lap faster than last year’s pole position time. Later in the afternoon qualifying session, the lap times came down towards the end, and the two Camel Honda stars Makoto Tamada and Max Biaggi eventually finished in 6th and 8th positions respectively. Tomorrow’s sessions will prove crucial in order to fine-tune the bike’s set-up, so the riders can acheive a rhythm which will serve them well in the race.

Sito Pons – Camel Honda (Team Principal)
“They were exceptional lap times today. The power of the MotoGP machines and the new track covering meant that today the riders were about a second and a half quicker than last year. In the free practice, Max was faster than last year’s pole, and then in the qualifying session he brought that down again by nearly a second. It wasn’t enough though to be at the top of the provisional standings after the first practices. Therefore we still have to close the gap to the front runners, although in the race I think it would be difficult to to keep that kind of pace up. We need to work towards a constant race rhythm as our main objective, but also we need to get a fast lap in so we get a good start position.”

Max Biaggi – Camel Honda (Michelin Tyres) – 8th – 1:34.328
“The new asphalt is a lot less slippy, and so we didn’t see the usual practice day of people making their choices, as is usual. Tomorrow we will see who is really quick and who has the bike set up well. We have worked hard with the team to get the best race set-up and to be ready for the 28 laps of the race. After the qualifying session my mechanics and I talked at length, so we could study all the data and be more consistent tomorrow. We have to make the bike give away less, so all the power is transferred to the track perfectly.”

Gianluca Montiron – Camel Honda – (Makoto Tamada Team Manager)
“The two test days after the Jerez race were especially useful for Makoto Tamada and we made the most of it. He was quick straight away this morning and also got involved at the top end during a high-speed qualifying session. Race pace will make the difference and knowing how to keep the same rhythm as the front group. The final practice sessions will be useful to improve the race performance and to move up the grid for Sunday.”

Makoto Tamada – Camel Honda (Bridgestone Tyres) – 6th – 1:34.303
“The track is ‘softer’ and not as bumpy as last year, thanks to the new asphalt. I’m lapping well and quick too, and I’m satisfied with the bike, although obviously we need to improve the set-up for this type of track and for the race. Tyre selection has gone okay too, I’ve picked out a tyre from before that I like a lot and I want to find an optimum set-up so I can get the best out of it in the race. Just by completely concentrating on the set-up of the tyres for the race I perhaps haven’t made the most of the bike in its qualifying mode. But tomorrow we will try it.”


More, from a press release issued by MS Aprilia:

Poggiali third fastest in France

MS Aprilia Racing’s Manuel Poggiali got his French 250 GP bid off to a flying start as he qualified on the provisional front row of the grid.

The San Marino rider ended today’s opening session with the third fastest time as he goes in search of his and Aprilia’s opening victory of the 2004 world 250 championship campaign. He set a best time of 1.38.661 on his last lap of the session and said: “We were working a lot on the bike in preparation for the race. The bike is very competitive and with Rassano Brazzi we have no problems and I have a good feeling with the bike.”

Poggiali arrived in France motivated and determined to kickstart the defence of his world 250 championship. He added: ” “The level of this year’s championship is very high and all I want to do is score some better results. The level is high, especially with the French riders who are always very strong in Le Mans. I’m not looking at the world championship rankings because there are only two races of the season gone and everything is still wide open. It is not important to make a very fast time in free practice or qualifying because it is the race that is the most important, and you only score points when you pass the chequered flag.

Poggiali is still looking for his first podium of 2004, but he is confident he will be able to challenge for the top three in Sunday’s race. “I want to have a better result than last year and I want to be the first rider to win a race this season for Aprilia in the world 250 championship. For sure, the first two races did not go according to plan or how I expected. In South Africa I had a problem with the tyre and in Jerez I made a mistake. In France I’m here to do much better and really start my season.”

Poggiali is now hoping that the weather stays fine to allow him to fine tune his set-up in tomorrow’s final free practice and qualifying sessions. “I really hope we get sunny conditions for the race. Without the rain we can confiirm what we have learnt today rather than starting again.”


More, from a press release issued by MS Aprilia:

McWilliams 17th as Byrne braves the pain.

Jeremy McWilliams is confident of scoring his first MotoGP world championship points of the season after qualifying his MS Aprilia Racing Cube in 17th position in Le Mans this afternoon.

The experienced British rider spent most of today working on a race set-up for Sunday’s French GP, but he also completed several crucial development laps using Aprilia’s new heavier crank, which first appeared at the Spanish GP earlier this month. Torrential rain in Jerez restricted the track time McWilliams could evaluate the engine modification, but he was happy to properly assess the crank in far more favourable conditions on a newly resurfaced track in Le Mans.

“Finally I got some serious time to try out the revised engine without any rain and on a track that has a new surface, “said McWilliams, who ended with a best time of 1.35.627. “I had a lot of fun riding the bike today and we have concentrated on working on a race set-up. My target is to pick up some points and I know it is possible if the weather stays the same.”

Team-mate Shane Byrne bravely tried to shrug aside the pain of a broken right hand to qualify his Cube in 20th position on the provisional grid.

The British rider only had a lightweight cast removed yesterday by Clinica Mobile medical staff, less than two weeks after he broke a bone in his right hand following a crash on the opening lap of a rain-lashed Spanish GP at Jerez. The 27-year-old, making his debut this morning at the famous Bugatti circuit, which hosts the French GP for the 17th time this weekend, ended this afternoon’s opening hour-long qualifying session with a best time of 1.36.543.

“The hand is giving me a lot of pain, particularly under braking. I’m having to use all my strength just to grip the handlebars and it is almost impossible to go any faster or control the bike. It is a big problem when the bike slides as well, but I’ll get some more treatment from the doctors and try again tomorrow, “said Byrne, who has been undergoing phsyiotherapy and pain-killing injections to ease the pain.


More, from a press release issued by Aprilia Racing:

Alex ninth as he tries to conquer Le Mans

Aprilia Racing rider Alex de Angelis spent the opening day of the French GP trying to adapt his RSW250 to the famous Bugatti circuit.

The San Marino rider is not a big fan of the stop/start nature of the 4.18km circuit, and he finished today’s opening qualifying session in ninth position with a best time of 1.39.412. He set that time on his 19th lap, and was set to post a much faster time on his last lap when he ran off the track at the final Esses.

“At the end of the session my last lap was going to be my fastest but there was a lot of traffic. I came to the final esses before the start and finish straight and I got in there very fast but ran wide and into the dirt. Luckily I managed to stay on the bike, “said de Angelis, who has finished in the top six in his first two world 250 championship races.

Despite his late off-track excursion. Alex is confident of improvements tomorrow having spent a large part of today testing Dunlop tyres. “I don’t really like Le Mans but I have been working on a lot of diffferent solutions for the race. I tried a lot of tyres and if the weather is the same for tomorrow then I’m sure I can improve, “added Alex.


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

Small problems at Proton’s first birthday

Nobuatsu Aoki: 21st, 1:36.18
Kurtis Roberts: 22nd, 1:37.800

Small but vexing problems at the first public outing of the revised-firing-order Proton KR V5 engine combined to prevent riders Nobuatsu Aoki and Kurtis Roberts from improving their qualifying positions. But with one day of practice remaining, both were confident of more tomorrow.

The Proton KR V5 is one year old this weekend, after making its track debut in practice for the French GP last year. But this year’s machine is significantly changed, with more changes coming race by race.

The chassis is new this year; and this race sees the first race-meeting tests of a different firing order, tried for the first time at tests after the Spanish GP, two weeks ago. As well as a new five-into-five exhaust system, the revised engine also has a very different sound from the original version.

The latest variation arrived just in time for this race weekend – a motor with bore and stroke revised, to give a less oversquare configuration. “This makes it less like a car F1 engine, and more like a motorcycle engine,” explained team principal Kenny Roberts. That engine, fresh from dyno bench testing, was fitted to one of Kurtis’s machines, but unrelated difficulties in the afternoon meant he was not able to do more than a few laps.

One more day of qualifying remains for Sunday’s French GP, the third round of the season. Today’s provisional pole time was set by Colin Edwards (Honda).

Nobuatsu Aoki
We have the new firing order, and that’s better for turning in to the corners, with less engine braking. At tests, there was a hole in the power curve, and that is coming better now. But we had many many small problems today. One engine ran well in the morning, but the power went a bit strange at the end of that session. This afternoon we improved it again, but it’s still not right. Also we have a lot of new tyres to test, and I haven’t found a race tyre yet. At the end I fitted a soft qualifying tyre, but that had some problem, so I didn’t get a fast qualifying lap this afternoon.

Kurtis Roberts
Both bikes were good this morning, and I finally got quite a few laps in. In the afternoon a lot of stupid little things meant I hardly got any successive laps, and nothing on soft tyres. One problem with the new engine was strange – the front-wheel speed sensor wire was damaged and shorting out, and that sent the engine management crazy, so that it would open the throttle mid-corner. I finished the session on my spare bike. Tomorrow will be a lot better. It has to be.


More, from a press release issued by Ducati Corse:


Ducati Marlboro men make steady start at Le Mans

Ducati Marlboro Team riders Troy Bayliss and Loris Capirossi commenced their French GP weekend in 12th and 14th places this afternoon. Not the most auspicious of starts, but the team is convinced that it is getting closer to working out exactly what’s needed to get its Desmosedici GP4s back up front.

“We are definitely improving, but so is everyone else. that’s racing!,” said Ducati Marlboro Team technical director Corrado Cecchinelli. “The bike still isn’t giving its maximum potential, so at the moment we are working on settings, trying to get the bike to its best. The only real change here is that Loris is now using Michelin’s 16.5in front tyre, and he is happy with it. The riders’ main concern is front-end confidence in the middle and the exit of corners. That doesn’t mean the area of concern is the front end of the bike, so we’re trying to work out exactly what it is that we need to improve to give them what they need. It’s just a matter of time”.

The Ducati Marlboro Team stays on to test at Le Mans on Monday.

Bayliss 12th and getting better
Troy Bayliss is already closer to the front than he was at the two season-opening GPs and he believes he can get more performance out of his Ducati Marlboro Team Desmosedici GP4 over the next two days.

“We’ve made a little bit of progress,” said the Australian. “We’ll keep pushing on and see what we can do. This bike really needs a specific set-up for each track, so we’re just working on finding a set-up for here; sometimes you get it, sometimes you don’t. It’s a bit of a grind but we’re hoping we can get things better for tomorrow.”

Capirossi mistimes qualifier run
Loris Capirossi ended up an uncharacteristic 14th quickest this afternoon after mistiming his qualifying-tyre run. But like Bayliss the Ducati Marlboro Team man believes that he is making steady forward progress with his Desmosedici GP4.

“We’re working hard, and I don’t think our race pace is so bad,” said the Italian. “The only really new part I have here is the 16.5in front tyre, instead of the 17, but overall I’d say we’re in better shape than we were at Jerez. I wasn’t able to make the most of my qualifying tyre run today because I went too soon and got held up by some slower riders. The main thing is that I am confident we can improve tomorrow and be close to the others on race pace.”