Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

World Superbike Superpole Results;

1. Regis Laconi, Ducati 999F04, 1:48.258
2. Chris Vermeulen, Honda CBR1000RR, 1:48.594
3. Pierfrancesco Chili, Ducati 999RS, 1:48.655
4. Noriyuki Haga, Ducati 999RS, 1:49.152
5. Leon Haslam, Ducati 999RS, 1:49.259
6. James Toseland, Ducati 999F04, 1:49.422
7. Gianluca Nannelli, Ducati 998RS, 1:50.024
8. Marco Borciani, Ducati 999RS, 1:50.132
9. Chris Walker, Foggy Petronas FP1, 1:50.434
10. Garry McCoy, Ducati 999RS, 1:50.525
11. Steve Martin, Ducati 999RS, 1:50.534
12. Troy Corser, Foggy Petronas FP1, 1:50.996
13. Piergiorgio Bontempi, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:51.039
14. Lucio Pedercini, Ducati 998RS, 1:51.487
15. Mauro Sanchini, Kawasaki ZX-10R, 1:51.974
16. Paolo Blora, Ducati 999RS, 1:52.056


More, from a press release issued by FGSport Group:

SUPERPOLE QUALIFYING

LACONI’S HAT-TRICK OF SUPERPOLE WINS AND NEW SPEED RECORD FOR VERMULEN

Three Superpoles To Rule Them All: Regis Laconi (Ducati Fila 999F04) continued his superb run of qualifying form to secure his third Superpole win of the 2004 season, setting the best lap of the meeting with 1:48.258 in the process. His latest dose of pre-race domination came in front of an enthusiastic crowd of Ducatisti at one of the Italian factory’s home circuits, the magnificently appointed Monza. Second in Superpole, growing in stature with every competitive outing, Ten Kate Honda rider Chris Vermeulen was almost at the level of Laconi, despite making a small misjudgement under braking at the entrance to the first chicane on his flying lap. However, the Australian took a new top speed record for SBK at Monza of 313 kmh, beating Frankie Chili’s previous record top speed of 311.2 kmh, which has stood since 1998.

Chili Cooled Off: Pierfrancesco Chili (PSG-1 Ducati 998) sent his local fans wild when he temporarily headed the Superpole qualifying times, but after being deposed by first Vermeulen and ultimately Laconi, the veteran rider had to be content with a front row start in third position. Noriyuki Haga finished off the front row qualifying order – and by being fourth made the post Superpole front row a carbon copy of the front row order of regular qualifying.

Laconi Lords It Early On: The fastest rider on show in regular qualifying (which determines the top 16 to qualify for Superpole, and the grid order for those outside the top 16) was once more Regis Laconi. The second place for Chris Vermeulen in the pre-Superpole sessions was an outstanding result for the Ten Kate Honda team, which is new to Superbike this season.

Leon Top Five: Renegade Ducati rider Leon Haslam ended Superpole on the coat tails of his team leader Noriyuki Haga, finishing with fifth fastest time at the head of the second row. Ducati Fila factory pilot James Toseland could only go sixth, but feels confident that he can run in a podium position on raceday. Gianluca Nannelli continued his first day ferocity to scoop seventh place on his Ducati 998, the second row being finished off by the DFX Ducati 999 of Marco Borciani.

Petronas Power Up: Losing out in the horsepower stakes to the big twins and fours, the Petronas of Chris Walker is not the ideal weapon to attack the Monza citadel with. Walker made up for his missing grunt by simply attacking every corner and chicane on the 5.973km circuit, posting a ninth fastest time and now hoping to get away with the riders from rows one and two during the 18-lap races on Sunday. His team-mate Troy Corser was 12th. His fellow Aussies Garry McCoy (Xerox Nortel Ducati 999) and Steve Martin (Ducati DFX 999) went tenth and 11th respectively. All 25 entrants qualified with the permitted time limit.


More, from a press release issued by Ducati Corse:

LACONI (DUCATI FILA) POWERS TO THIRD POLE POSITION OF THE YEAR –
TOSELAND STARTS FROM ROW 2 WITH SIXTH QUICKEST TIME

Monza (Italy), Saturday 16 May 2004: With a time of 1:48.258 in Superpole, Regis Laconi clinched a third pole position of the season aboard his Ducati 999 Factory ’04, putting the Frenchman amongst the favourites for the win in the fourth round of the World Superbike championship at Monza.

Laconi lines up on the front row of the grid for the two races with the young Australian Vermeulen (Honda), local hero Chili (PSG-1 Ducati) and Japan’s Haga (Renegade Ducati) alongside, while James Toseland (Ducati Fila) will start from row 2 after qualifying sixth behind the other Ducati Renegade rider, Haslam.

“My Superpole lap was smooth but I felt immediately that the front tyre wasn’t perfect” declared Laconi. “In fact I lost the front at Ascari and as a result a little bit of time, if it hadn’t been for that I could have got under 1:48 but I am happy anyway. The bike’s race setting is good, my lap time on race tyres is good and we will see what happens tomorrow. We have been working well this weekend to get a good feeling here with the bike. Monza is a great place to race at , there is always a big fight with everyone. This track is so fast but my bike is so fast also and I am not worried about the speed!”

“My Superpole lap was not so good, I had a few minor problems here and there and was a bit ragged but that’s not the problem” commented Toseland. “We’re still trying to find out what’s wrong and the right direction to go in to solve the problem and improve my ‘feeling’ with the bike. With the engineers we’re having a look at the telemetry to try and get the best combination at the front and the back. The tyres are not a problem, but I don’t feel 100% comfortable on the bike. It’s frustrating for everyone and more so for me because I know I can win but I’m not able to express my potential out there.”


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

Third row for Garry McCoy tomorrow at Monza

Garry McCoy will start on his 999RS Xerox Ducati Nortel Networks from the third row for the two races of tomorrow on the challenging circuit of Monza, 5743 meter and 18 lap for a total of 104,284 km for each of the two scheduled races.

McCoy, seventh after the morning’s final qualifying, suffered some problem on his flying lap to drop three positions to 10th.

“I’m not satisfied at all.” – confessed a disappointed Garry McCoy after the Superpole result – “Maybe the track conditions was a bit changed as yesterday, but the bike with the same set up, suffered a lack of grip. In the first spli time I’ve been always on the top, then I miss something in the second and in the final split. Today I had not the same feeling as the first practice day and to start from the third row means to have the danger to geld held up at the bottleneck first chicane and miss the group of the leaders since the first stage of the race. However in the morning’s session I reduced the gap from the leader and that gave me a good hope for a good grid position. Well, the race will be tomorrow and we’ll se to get something good.”

Miguel Praia, despite hard pains in the hand injured yesterday in the crash at Parabolica corner, reached the qualification in the final session, with only one hour of time awailable to qualify, while the other riders have had a couple of sessions to set their bikes.

“I’m happy to be qualified in just a practice session.” – said Praia at the end of qualifying – “Now I’m forced to learn the track during the race, and I have a lot of pains in my injured hand. We’ll se tomorrow what I’ll be able to do for the race.”

Giancarlo De Matteis failed the Superpole for a whisker at his debut on the 999RS, a very fast bike which recorded the second top speed of the practice day.

“Improving my feeling with this bike also the performance increases. The bike is very fast, unfortunately in the final ten minutes of the final session I found a lot of traffic, so I’ve been not able to make use of the soft tyres to get the Superpole qualifying.”



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

2004 World Superbike Championship
Round 4, Monza (Italy)
Saturday 15th May, Final Qualifying
Circuit: 5.793 kms, Weather: sun, 24°C

THIRD ROW FOR TROY
A small tyre problem on his Superpole lap deprived Troy of a higher grid position at Monza this afternoon, relegating him to the third row of the grid for tomorrow’s 18-lappers. Although the weekend hasn’t gone to Troy’s advantage, it has gone more or less as he expected. Monza is a horsepower circuit and, with the Petronas FP1 suffering a power disadvantage compared to most of the competition, it was always going to be a tough race for Troy. Frenchman Regis Laconi (Ducati) set the fastest lap in the 16-rider Superpole shoot-out and will start the pair of races in pole position. Second quickest was Aussie Chris Vermeulen (Honda), with crowd favourite Frankie Chili (Ducati) third and Noriyuki Haga (Ducati) fourth.

TROY – 12th, 1:50.996
Today we spent quite a bit of time working with the gearing and also the suspension – to get the best times on race rubber. And we did manage to get some consistently good results. It’s true that the first few laps were better then later laps. It’s funny because the tyres dropped off a little and then stayed consistent. When I went out on my Superpole lap, we were using a new front which had done just a few laps, but going into the Parabolica at the end of the warm-up lap the bike began to suffer some chattering and I lost drive going down the straight at the start of my timed lap. I struggled a bit throughout the lap and I’m not sure what the problem was because we didn’t experience that kind of thing on the race tyres. Maybe I then tried a bit too hard to make up time, but my lap was over really and all I could do was get the bike home as best as I could. Now I’m going to have to make a couple of really good starts if I am to have any chance of good results.


More, from a press release issued by Ten Kate Honda:

Vermeulen Qualifies Second

World Superbike rookie Chris Vermeulen (Ten Kate Honda CBR1000RR) propelled his flying yellow Honda to second place in Superpole qualifying at the 5.793km circuit of Monza, during a tense competition held in bright sunshine. The combination of rider and machine, each new to World Superbike this season, was irresistible to all but the factory Ducati of Regis Laconi, as Vermeulen rode with assured pace and a coolness that belies his 21 years.



The top speed of 313kmph achieved in qualifying by the Ten Kate Honda was the fastest ever recorded in World Superbike at Monza.

Having qualified second in regulation qualifying, Superpole was just the latest in a series of big steps the team and rider have made together in a short period of time. Vermeulen, with some new parts on the machine for this round, made full use of his qualifying Pirelli tyres to set his fast lap, and will share the front row with Laconi, local hero Pierfrancesco Chili (Ducati) and Noriyuki Haga (Ducati).

For Vermeulen Superpole was another highlight of what has been an auspicious debut. “Second is not so bad but it would have been nice to get pole position. My lap wasn’t perfect. The problem is that you have an hour since the last time you braked as hard as possible from over 300kmph so it’s easy to miss the exact braking mark. I hit the brakes a bit early and had a little wobble in the way into the first chicane and that lost me some time. I’m pretty happy the way things have gone so far and we’ve pretty much chosen the race tyre.”

Team Manager Ronald Ten Kate paid tribute to the efforts put in by the whole team. “We are a really seriously threat to take Superpole wins now and a threat to the opposition tomorrow. We have closed the gap to the front and in a reasonably short time. As a tuning company we are happy that we have achieved the fastest ever top speed in SBK today at Monza. With the benefit of slipstreaming we may even see a higher figure tomorrow.”

World Superbike Championship
Round Four – Monza, Italy
14 – 16 May 2004
Superpole Qualifying


1. R. Laconi, FRA, Ducati 999 F04, 1’48.258
2. C. Vermeulen, AUS, Ten Kate Honda CBR1000RR, 1’48.594
3. P. Chili, ITA, Ducati 999 RS, 1’48.655
4. N. Haga, JPN, Ducati 999 RS, 1’49.152
5. L. Haslam, GBR, Ducati 999 RS, 1’49.259
6. J. Toseland, GBR, Ducati 999 F04, 1’49.422
7. G. Nannelli, ITA, Ducati 998 RS, 1’50.024
8. M. Borciani, ITA, Ducati 999 RS, 1’50.132
9. C. Walker, GBR, Petronas FP1, 1’50.434
10. G. Mccoy, AUS, Ducati 999 RS, 1’50.525

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Saturday’s 250cc Grand Prix Qualifying Results:

1. Daniel PEDROSA, Honda, 1:37.123
2. Randy DE PUNIET, Aprilia, 1:37.407
3. Sebastian PORTO, Aprilia, 1:37.436
4. Manuel POGGIALI, Aprilia, 1:38.007
5. Toni ELIAS, Honda, 1:38.536
6. Franco BATTAINI, Aprilia, 1:38.674
7. Fonsi NIETO, Aprilia, 1:38.903
8. Roberto ROLFO, Honda, 1:39.085
9. Hiroshi AOYAMA, Honda, 1:39.088
10. Alex DE ANGELIS, Aprilia, 1:39.151
11. Sylvain GUINTOLI, Aprilia, 1:39.163
12. Anthony WEST, Aprilia, 1:39.314
13. Alex DEBON, Honda, 1:39.360
14. Eric BATAILLE, Honda, 1:39.516
15. Hector FAUBEL, Aprilia, 1:39.775
16. Joan OLIVE, Aprilia, 1:39.828
17. Dirk HEIDOLF, Aprilia, 1:39.936
18. Jakub SMRZ, Honda, 1:39.976
19. Naoki MATSUDO, Yamaha, 1:40.201
20. Chaz DAVIES, Aprilia, 1:40.216


Final Combined 250cc GP Qualifying Results:

1. PEDROSA, Honda, 1:37.123
2. DE PUNIET, Aprilia, 1:37.407
3. PORTO, Aprilia, 1:37.436
4. POGGIALI, Aprilia, 1:38.007
5. ELIAS, Honda, 1:38.536
6. BATTAINI, Aprilia, 1:38.674
7. Fonsi NIETO, Aprilia, 1:38.903
8. ROLFO, Honda, 1:39.085
9. AOYAMA, Honda, 1:39.088
10. DE ANGELIS, Aprilia, 1:39.151
11. GUINTOLI, Aprilia, 1:39.163
12. WEST, Aprilia, 1:39.314
13. DEBON, Honda, 1:39.360
14. BATAILLE, Honda, 1:39.516
15. FAUBEL, Aprilia, 1:39.775
16. OLIVE, Aprilia, 1:39.828
17. HEIDOLF, Aprilia, 1:39.936
18. SMRZ, Honda, 1:39.976
19. DAVIES, Aprilia, 1:40.144
20. MATSUDO, Yamaha, 1:40.201


More, from a press release issued by Aprilia Racing:

Alex to start from third row in Le Mans

Aprilia Racing rider Alex de Angelis qualified his RSW250 in 10th position for tomorrow’s French 250 GP at the Le Mans circuit.

The San Marino rider finished with a best time of 1.39.151 but slipped slightly down the standings from yesterday. Showing just how competitive this year’s world 250 championship is, Alex was 0.5s inside Marco Melandri’s 2002 lap record, but he had to settle for a place on row three for tomorrow’s 26-lap race.

Despite a hard day, Alex gained more valuable experience on the RSW250 that should put him in contention for another positive result in his rookie 250 campaign. Alex has yet to finish outside of the top six in 2004 and he will be looking to continue that impressive start.

His chief engineer Giovanni Sandi said: “Alex is learning and growing all the time with the 250. This is not an easy circuit when you have come from a 125 to a 250, the power is very different, but Alex is gaining experience and we are confident he will show his potential in the race.”


More, from a press release issued by MS Aprilia:

Poggiali claims front row in Le Mans

MS Aprilia Racing’s Manuel Poggiali will start the French 250 GP in Le Mans from the front row of the grid after posting the fourth fastest time in this afternoon’s final qualifying session.

The San Marino rider has now qualified on the front row of the grid in each of the first three races of the 2004 world championship, and he will be hoping to convert today’s fine performance into a first rostrum tomorrow.

The reigning world champion emerged unscatched from a crash in the dying seconds of the session to post a best time of 1.38.007. That was a vast improvement of 0.6s from yesterday’s session.

“The bike is working very well and that is why we could improve by so much today. I crashed right at the end of the session because I was just going a little bit too fast into the corner. We have been working towards the set-up for the race and I’ve found a tyre that will be good tomorrow, “said Poggiali.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Saturday Morning Practice Times From The French Grand Prix:

MotoGP:

1. Sete GIBERNAU, Honda, 1:34.126
2. Carlos CHECA, Yamaha, 1:34.244
3. Max BIAGGI, Honda, 1:34.420
4. Valentino ROSSI, Yamaha, 1:34.465
5. Colin EDWARDS, Honda, 1:34.501
6. Alex BARROS, Honda, 1:34.746
7. Kenny ROBERTS, Suzuki, 1:34.768
8. Makoto TAMADA, Honda, 1:34.774
9. Nicky HAYDEN, Honda, 1:35.029
10. Marco MELANDRI, Yamaha, 1:35.050
11. Shinya NAKANO, Kawasaki, 1:35.096
12. Neil HODGSON, Ducati, 1:35.182
13. Ruben XAUS, Ducati, 1:35.286
14. Loris CAPIROSSI, Ducati, 1:35.595
15. John HOPKINS, Suzuki, 1:35.773
16. Troy BAYLISS, Ducati, 1:35.807
17. Alex HOFMANN, Kawasaki, 1:35.973
18. Jeremy McWILLIAMS, Aprilia, 1:36.020
19. Norick ABE, Yamaha, 1:36.176
20. Shane BYRNE, Aprilia, 1:37.151
21. Kurtis ROBERTS, Proton, 1:37.171
22. Nobuatsu AOKI, Proton, 1:37.493
23. Michel FABRIZIO, Harris WCM, 1:39.059
24. Chris BURNS, Harris WCM, 1:39.627

250cc Grand Prix:

1. Sebastian PORTO, Aprilia, 1:37.656
2. Daniel PEDROSA, Honda, 1:37.785
3. Randy DE PUNIET, Aprilia, 1:37.882
4. Manuel POGGIALI, Aprilia, 1:38.470
5. Toni ELIAS, Honda, 1:38.724
6. Roberto ROLFO, Honda, 1:38.883
7. Hiroshi AOYAMA, Honda, 1:38.958
8. Alex DE ANGELIS, Aprilia, 1:39.248
9. Fonsi NIETO, Aprilia, 1:39.389
10. Sylvain GUINTOLI, Aprilia, 1:39.411
11. Franco BATTAINI, Aprilia, 1:39.522
12. Naoki MATSUDO, Yamaha, 1:39.783
13. Alex DEBON, Honda, 1:39.842
14. Anthony WEST, Aprilia, 1:39.896
15. Jakub SMRZ, Honda, 1:40.086
16. Eric BATAILLE, Honda, 1:40.205
17. Joan OLIVE, Aprilia, 1:40.523
18. Chaz DAVIES, Aprilia, 1:40.607
19. Hector FAUBEL, Aprilia, 1:40.611
20. Dirk HEIDOLF, Aprilia, 1:40.708


125cc Grand Prix:

1. Hector BARBERA, Aprilia, 1:42.536
2. Andrea DOVIZIOSO, Honda, 1:42.697
3. Roberto LOCATELLI, Aprilia, 1:43.074
4. Steve JENKNER, Aprilia, 1:43.486
5. Pablo NIETO, Aprilia, 1:43.573
6. Mika KALLIO, KTM, 1:43.676
7. Mirko GIANSANTI, Aprilia, 1:43.716
8. Alvaro BAUTISTA, Aprilia, 1:43.748
9. Julian SIMON, Honda, 1:43.850
10. Jorge LORENZO, Derbi, 1:43.946
11. Thomas LUTHI, Honda, 1:44.055
12. Mike DI MEGLIO, Aprilia, 1:44.060
13. Marco SIMONCELLI, Aprilia, 1:44.184
14. Casey STONER, KTM, 1:44.197
15. Mattia PASINI, Aprilia, 1:44.262

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.