Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

From an Army Captain we know in Iraq, who will remain nameless:

Hello to all from Mosul, Iraq:

The Army has decided to wipe out our ability to access our Yahoo accounts so from here on out please e-mail this address. Also, as a result my distro list is not complete, so if someone you know wants this please send me their address. I did not intentionally leave someone off this.

The unemployment business shapes up every day to look more and more like an episode of the Sopranos. Last Thursday there was a riot downtown. I did not know it ’cause I was in a meeting in my office with a bunch of Iraqi COLs right across the river from the riots. The General who is my Iraqi counterpart was speaking at an engagement that morning. Then I hear a crash at the front gates and a pickup–loaded with 15 Hajis dressed in green all with AK-47s and yelling at the top of their lungs–comes to a screeching halt.

I run to the window, chamber a round, move my safety off and am one second from wasting these lunatics when one of the Iraqi COLs grabs my arm and says that it is OK, they are with us. Well, out of the back comes none other than my General–he is yelling “Captain! Captain!” Then he starts yelling at me in Arabic.

So I grab him and shake him and yell “English, speak freaking English.” Well, whatever he said has everyone in an uproar and my translator is yelling in Arabic, finally he snaps out of it and starts yelling in English that people are coming to attack us at the building. So I go outside to grab my SGT, when I see the guys in the truck dump a guy out the back. He has a nice entry and exit wound in his chest, by his shoulder. He doesn’t move or make a sound. It sucked to be him.

I find my SGT who thought that since they were yelling CPT CPT, that I was shot. I explain to him what’s going on, and we request air support and MP support ASAP. That’s when my boss calls me and says–good luck, shit hit the fan downtown, do what you can because all U.S. forces are engaged. Nice! It’s only 10:00 o’clock and there is a dead guy in my driveway, just me with a 9mm and a SGT with a rifle, and an angry mob across the river wants to attack us.

Well, the mob stayed across the river, thankfully. Come to find out the riot started where the General was (Coincidence? I think not!) but they stayed over the river to riot in front of the government building.

Great day!

Then I have to kick the Kurdish Islamic Unionist Party out of my building. We are setting up a U.S.-style government where political parties are not sponsored by the government and they cannot occupy government buildings. So it takes me an hour to kick them out. I got them a building to move to, and when I move them there, there is a security guard watching the building. So I ask him who he is. He informs me he was ordered by Jaboori not to move. OK, trying to avoid an incident–let’s go see Jaboori. Now I have heard the name several times, but have no clue who he is.

I drive to his palace on the river, enter the gates, and drive down a quarter-mile driveway. In the back there are 30 cats in fatigues doing Kung-Fu, being filmed by an Australian TV station as an American (or at least he appeared to be) kicked their butts.

I go to the front door and this guy answers the door with enough metal on him to take down a small fort.

“What do you want?” he asks.

I wanna see Jaboori.

“Come and sit down.” So he seats me in a room easily the size of an average American home. It has a huge fireplace, bamboo roof, and gold (yes, I said gold) furniture. So now I think, hmmmmm… Then he comes in and offers us lunch. No thanks, I want to talk about the house. Blah Blah Blah Blah. He finally gave me another building.

So I dump the kurds into the other building, but then they don’t wanna go…man, what a pain. But then I tell everyone I went to Jaboori’s house and they all freak out ’cause he is off-limits. Oh, well, he was cool with me.

So then the other night a sheik shows up at our front doorstep and asks for me by name. He wants a job. So the COL meets him and we invite him to dinner. Needless to say, Army chow did not fare well.

So he invited me and the COL to his house.

Sorry this e-mail is not humorous, but I am tired as all sin. Just wanted to let you know what’s up.

Later.



The following missive is from a U.S. Army Lieutenant in Baghdad with an armored division, who elaborates on the perspective of a female soldier in Iraq:

Hi everyone–

Once again I apologize for the mass e-mail. However, with the wacky computer connectivity we have here it is the only way I can assure that my messages get out.

Anyway, a few more details on life here. First of all, it is damn hot. I thought Texas was hot but this is horrible. It’s about 115 degrees every day, and if you are outside in body armor it is even hotter.

For all of you who have been to Turkey and seen how poor it is there, this is far, far, far worse. These people live in utter filth and devastation. Even the “nice” parts of the city aren’t so nice. The only parts that are nice are the palaces. Anyone who has ever complained about the gap between the rich and the poor in the States needs to come here. It is no wonder they hated Saddam–he had golden chandeliers and most of these people are lucky if they even have a roof.

Anyway, most people are pretty glad we are here. However, they are impatient. The educated people here, like the doctors and lawyers, understand change doesn’t happen overnight. The normal person though is just pissed because they don’t have consistent power or they haven’t been paid in a while (evidenced by the super overhyped riot coverage from a couple of days ago). And yes, there is violence. We have had two soldiers in our unit killed already. The thing is the whole culture here revolves around guns. EVERYONE has one. We have had plenty of people lead us to caches or turn in weapons but for every one they turn in there are a gazillion more–and it is cheap to buy guns and grenades. Still, while it seems bad, you also have to remember there are 150,000 Americans over here right now. Per capita, it isn’t a very high death/injury rate.

The best way to think of Baghdad is like LA (which by the way had 653 murders last year). There is a lot of crime and illegal activity, but not a lot of evidence of former regimists plotting in basement places.

Being a woman over here is weird, though. The Iraqi men either stare at you like they can’t believe what they are seeing or refuse to look at you at all. Iraqi women who work for U.S. forces are ostracized, threatened and attacked–one of our infantry battalions had a 15-year-old cleaning lady shot in the head and killed a couple of days ago. That is the crazy thing about here–it is a potentially super-wealthy country and it has some modern technology, but the people’s way of thinking is stuck in a couple of centuries ago. They honestly think our NVGs and sunglasses are X-ray and we use them to look through Iraqi women’s clothing. They think our flak vests are air-conditioned. They believe every rumor on the street. And they constantly rat on each other–we get a zillion sources a day saying they know where Saddam is or whatever.

As for me, I am currently living in the Martyr’s monument (I spent the first couple of weeks in the Ministry of the Interior). There isn’t as much damage to the city as I thought it would be. There were some buildings that were completely destroyed (I visited the former IIS headquarters and you could tell they used a couple of bunker-busters on it) but most of the city is fine. The ministry buildings were totally trashed by U.S. forces, though–the Marines went to the bathroom in every available corner and just generally created havoc for no reason whatsoever.

Anyway, I am not sleeping out of doors and I have a cot and a mosquito net. We have hot dinner every other night (though it isn’t the best quality food) and I take a camp shower every other morning. I try not to go out in sector unless it is absolutely necessary because I don’t want to take unneccessary risks, but sometimes it can’t be helped.

I have to run for now but I will try to keep you all updated when I can. Love to you all.

From a press release issued by Fieldsheer:

Fieldsheer Inc. has hired Kipp McGowan as National Sales Manager. Kipp is a native of Southern California and a motorcycle road racer himself!

He was previously employed with Lockhart Phillips USA as Sales Manager and brings years of experience in the motorcycle industry to Fieldsheer. He comes aboard just in time to launch Fieldsheer’s 2004 collection and its new parts and accessories division. He started his new position on June 10, 2003.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Fieldsheer Inc.
211 Calle Pintoresco, Unit A
San Clemente, CA 92672
949.488.8353
[email protected]

A press release issued by FGF Corse, which ran the Aprilia World Superbike program last season:

Hereto we’re advicing you that FGF corse s.n.c. seated in Campi Bisenzio (Italia), via Castronella n° 166, will stop its work.

Therefore, from that date also our e.mails and telephone numbers, will be not useful anymore.

From a press release:

SUPERSIDE SNIPS

MISANO ADRIATICO, SAN MARINO – ROUND FIVE

Steve Webster has 54 race wins to his name from 166 starts and is looking for a 21st successive pole position.

Steve Abbott recorded the fastest speed in Friday’s qualifying, his Suzuki GSX-R1000 machine reaching a top speed of 249.2km/h.

The heat is an obvious problem at Misano and Steve Abbott suffered severe blistering on Friday from the burning-hot clutch lever.

Sepp Doppler of the Austrian Gemini Racing team is a former 500cc world championship racer.

Jock Skene has altered his suspension settings for Saturday’s qualifying.

Chris Founds qualified well inside the limit following Friday’s disastrous session in which a brand new tyre punctured.

Gerhard Hauzenberger ran with a new engine on Saturday.

Richard Gatt goes into the race with the 9th fastest time, his best qualifying performance to date.

Jean-Nöel Minguet also tightened his suspension and went more than two seconds quicker in Saturday’s qualifying.

Superside World Championship
Misano Adriatico, San Marino
Saturday final qualifying

1. Steve Webster, GB, Suzuki, 1:39.374

2. Jörg Steinhausen, Germany, Suzuki, 1:39.815

3. Steve Abbott, GB, Suzuki, 1:40.310

4. Tom Hanks, GB, Yamaha, 1:40.980

5. Klaus Klaffenböck, Austria, Yamaha, 1:41.156

6. Martien van Gils, Holland, Suzuki, 1:42.160

7. Dan Morrissey, GB, Yamaha, 1:43.833

8. Mike Roscher, Germany, Suzuki, 1:43.873

9. Richard Gatt, GB, Yamaha, 1:44.406

10. Bill Philp, GB, Yamaha, 1:44.469

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Via e-mail

I would like to confirm that the articles you published in Breaking News on June 20th, 2003 are all true. But, I would like to respond to these articles.

The situation between Larry Pegram and DTR could have been avoided; he is a dear friend of mine, and I can assure everyone that Larry would agree. Because, I am still trying to resolve the problems listed in your articles.

This is including Mr. Mitch Hansen; he has been the force behind DTR from day one, he has done more for DTR than I can ever have expected. In fact, Mr. Hansen still would assist me if I asked. Our friendship remains unchanged.

The reason behind my response is to stop the unnecessary escalation of the disputes between all parties, because none of us need our dirty laundry to be discussed or judged by the general public. What good will it do for resolving these problems? It will only do more harm than good. Therefore, I will do my very best to consult with my partner DeVeaux Hill to put these disputes behind us in the near future.

In addition, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for all the good PR your publication has done for DTR this season, and also your trackside advice. Much appreciated.

You are most welcome to call me anytime for updates. There will be no “Spin Zone” between you and I.

Yours truly,

Kaming Ko
Co-owner of DTR

From a press release issued by MonsterMob Ducati:

MONSTERMOB DUCATI BRITISH SUPERBIKE TEAM

Round 6 – 2003 British Superbike Championship powered by HALLS, Brands Hatch

Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd June 2003

FRONT ROW FOR BATTERED BYRNE

MonsterMob Ducati rider Shane Byrne overcame the pain barrier to record fourth fastest time in the Dunlop Super 12 in readiness for round six of the British Superbike Championship at Brands Hatch today.

The 26 year old from Minster, Isle of Sheppey crashed in Friday’s practice injuring both ankles but apart from severe bruising, was passed fit enough to race.

“I feel knackered but hopefully I’ll feel better tomorrow and I can try for the race wins. I’m sore but there’s no point in just riding round for points, I’ll be hoping to keep up the recent run” said Shakey.

Byrne leads the championship by 104 points after seven successive victories and will be looking to add to that tally in front of his home crowd.

Team mate Stuart Easton emulated Byrne by slotting the 748 Ducati onto the front row of the Supersport grid also.

The 18 year old from Hawick posted fourth fastest time prior to Sunday’s race whewre he hopes to emulate last year’s win at Brands.

“I got held up on my fast laps but a front row start is what matters. The race will be a different matter and hopefully I can run at the front” said the young Scot.

Superbike Qualifying

1. John Reynolds (Suzuki) 1:26.184
2. Sean Emmett (Ducati) 1:26.616
3. Glen Richards (Kawasaki) 1:26.679
4. Shane Byrne (MonsterMob Ducati) 1:26.805
5. Michael Rutter (Ducati) 1:26.818
6. Steve Hislop (Yamaha) 1:26.975
7. Yukio Kagayama (Suzuki) 1:27.333
8. Gary Mason (Yamaha) 1:27.505
9. Steve Plater (Honda) 1:27.835
10. Scott Smart (Kawasaki) 1:28.540
11. John McGuinness (Ducati) 1:28.655
12. John Crawford (Ducati) 1:28.680

Supersport Qualifying
1. Dean Thomas (Honda) 1:29.587
2. Simon Andrews (Yamaha) 1:29.688
3. Karl Harris (Honda) 1:29.693
4. Stuart Easton (MonsterMob Ducati) 1:29.753
5. Tom Sykes (Yamaha) 1:29.973
6. Leon Haslam (Ducati) 1:30.137
7. Jamie Robinson (Yamaha) 1:30.407
8. John Crockford (Honda) 1:30.713
9. Barry Veneman (Honda) 1:30.823
10. Danny Beaumont (Kawasaki) 1:31.001

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By Glenn LeSanto

Hodgson on pole

Neil Hodgson ignored the heat to take the pole position once again in the 2003 World Superbike Championship.

After his by-now-familiar slow start to the weekend Hodgson scorched his way to the front on his Ducati Fila 999. The runaway leader of the Championship was the only rider to break into 1:34 laps.

While Hodgson’s a very familiar sight on the podium, young Vittorio Iannuzzo is definitely a newcomer to front-row life. He qualified fourth, just behind James Toseland in third and Frankie Chili in second spot. It’s all the more amazing when you bear in mind that the young Italian isn’t riding a full-factory bike like Gregorio Lavilla, but a Yoshimura Suzuki. The situation is forced upon the team because of lack of parts for the full-factory specification machines.

Steve Martin, another rider bringing out the surprises this weekend, was just pushed back into fifth. Regis Laconi, Juan Borja and Troy Corser join him on the second row. The Petronas doesn’t seem to be struggling with the heat as much, despite the temperatures being probably the highest witnessed all season.

Superpole Results:

1. Neil Hodgson, Ducati 999F03, 1:34.586
2. Pierfrancesco Chili, Ducati 998RS, 1:34.920
3. James Toseland, Ducati 998F02, 1:35.124
4. Vittorio Iannuzzo, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:35.261
5. Steve Martin, Ducati 998RS, 1:35.286
6. Regis Laconi, Ducati 998RS, 1:35.297
7. Juan Borja, Ducati 998RS, 1:35.808
8. Troy Corser, Foggy Petronas FP1, 1:35.835
9. Gregorio Lavilla, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:35.808
10. Marco Borciani, Ducati 998RS, 1:36.140
11. Lucio Pedercini, Ducati 998RS, 1:36.165
12. Ruben Xaus, Ducati 999F03, 1:36.227
13. Chris Walker, Ducati 998F02, 1:36.496
14. Giovanni Bussei, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:36.564
15. Ivan Clementi, Kawasaki ZX-7RR, 1:36.572
16. Mauro Sanchini, Kawasaki ZX-7RR, 1:36.877

The rest of the grid:

17. Paolo Blora, Ducati 996RS, 1:36.623
18. David Garcia, Ducati 998RS, 1:36.780
19. Nello Russo, Ducati 998RS, 1:36.796
20. Alex Gramigni, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:37.291
21. Sergio Fuertes, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:37.675
22. Serafino Foti, Ducati 998RS, 1:37.843
23. Luca Pini, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:38.164
24. Walter Tortoroglio, Honda RC51, 1:38.228
25. Christian Zaiser, Aprilia RSV1000, 1:38.350
26. Giuseppe Zannini, Ducati 998RS, 1:38.796
27. Jiri Mrkyvka, Ducati 998RS, 1:39.099
28. Redamo Assirelli, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:39.936


More, from a press release issued by Ducati Corse:

DUCATI CORSE PRESS INFORMATION

HODGSON (DUCATI FILA) UNBEATABLE IN SUPERPOLE WITH SIXTH POLE OF THE SEASON AHEAD OF CHILI (PSG-1 DUCATI) – THIRD ROW START FOR XAUS

British rider Neil Hodgson (Ducati Fila) once again crushed the opposition in a World Superbike Superpole session.

Pole #6 of the season for the championship leader came at Misano Adriatico, when he went half-a-second quicker than Toseland (HM Plant Ducati) in the one-lap dash and then watched in the garage as local hero Pierfrancesco Chili (PSG-1 Ducati) just missed out in front of his home crowd.

“I really had to go out and beat James’ time today” declared Hodgson. “I’ve not been concentrating on qualifying tyres at all so I was a bit rusty and that’s why I was slow in the first split. I had to be more aggressive on the second and third parts so I just turned the throttle up. I thought Frankie was going to beat me, but he didn’t.

“Before I would have used about 15 qualifiers, end up fastest but have no race set-up but now I concentrate on getting a good race set-up and then concentrate on Superpole. It looks like I’ve got a slight advantage on the race tyres, but it’s going to be hard work out there tomorrow because of the heat” he added.

Team-mate Ruben Xaus slipped down from fifth after the two qualifying sessions to an eventual 12th place after a disappointing Superpole lap.

“I did a bad Superpole and that cost me a lot of places on the grid” said Ruben. “I’m so angry with myself because the first split was so bad and all weekend I was so good there, losing eight-tenths of a second. A lot of riders are going well but I noticed they didn’t do that many laps, it’s just Neil and Laconi doing a good pace on race tyres. I’m able to be there as well, I just have to get a good start in the races.

“This afternoon we made a few changes and I wasn’t entirely happy, so tomorrow morning in the warm-up I’ll revert to the settings I had in the morning and then I’ll be ready for the race” he added.


More, from a press release issued by HM Plant Ducati:

Toseland on the front row!

James Toseland and Chris Walker will start tomorrow’s two Superbike World Championship races at Misano circuit from third and 13th respectively on the grid following a Superpole session that took place in scorching conditions. Former HM Plant Ducati rider Neil Hodgson took pole position, with Pier Francesco Chili and Vittorio Iannuzzo joining Toseland on the front row of the grid for round seven of the 2003 series.

Toseland recovered from a horrific crash during Superpole warm-up (in which he destroyed his number one HM Plant Ducati) to post a superb Superpole lap of 1:35.124 and go third on the grid.

“That was one of the scariest crashes I have ever had,” said the 22-year-old Yorkshireman. “I had a coming together with another rider at turn two at about 120 mph and he left me with nowhere to go but off the track. I was lucky to escape injury but I was badly shaken up and it took me a while to get myself together for Superpole. I got my head down though and produced my best time of the weekend. I was on provisional pole for a while and only Neil Hodgson and Frankie Chili have bettered my time, so I’m feeling confident for tomorrow’s races.”

His team mate Chris Walker was unable to improve on his best time set yesterday (1:36.066) and posted a Superpole lap of 1:36.496 . This puts him in 13th place on the grid for tomorrow’s two 25-lap races at the Autodromo di Misano circuit.

“I’m disappointed to be this far down the grid because my Superpole lap was almost half a second down on my second qualifying session time. I made a mistake coming onto the straight when I missed a gear and at this level you get punished for it. It cost me a lot of time so I just had to make sure the rest of the lap was as tidy as possible. I won’t be giving up though and will be looking to make a couple of my demon starts tomorrow!”


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

Second row start for Corser and Foggy PETRONAS Racing

Troy Corser will start tomorrow’s races for round seven of the World Superbike championship at Misano from the second row of the grid after an encouraging day for Foggy PETRONAS Racing.

Following yesterday’s team difficulties, Corser provided a welcome boost in achieving his highest qualifying position since the third round of the series in Japan. Having qualified ninth fastest in a time of 1:36.050 in the morning qualifying session, the Australian went one better in Superpole with his fastest lap of the weekend of 1:35.835.

Corser said: “That has been our best day for a while and the bike is handling great. This is where I thought we could and should be at the start of the day. There are a few more corners at this circuit where I can make up a bit of time. But it is going to be a hard race because it is difficult to pass other riders, even when I have a tow down the straights. The front Michelin tyre is great and I have done two-thirds of a race distance on the rear, and the lap times were not too bad. So I think the top ten will be a good and achievable result.

“I have changed the internal gearbox from yesterday, making second longer and that was definitely better. It was also good to have three bikes available, as I could try two slightly different set-ups on my own bikes, with two or three differences on the third. So that made it easier to get through everything we needed to try within a few laps. The bike was also running cooler than it did for qualifying at Silverstone. And the team has also been working on the mapping, resulting in the throttle connection being the best it has ever been.”


More, from a press release issued by Scuderia Caracchi NCR Nortel Networks:

Laconi in seconda fila nella battaglia di Misano

Regis Laconi on the Ducati 998RS Caracchi NCR Nortel Network will start tomorrow from the second row in the seventh round of World Superbike here at Misano Adriatico. Fourth fastest after the two qualifying sessions Laconi had some riding uncertainty during the Superpole “all or nothing” lap and lost the possibility to start from the front row tomorrow.

“I’m really disappointed because in the first part of my flying lap I’ve lost a lot of time and so un the fastest line I’ve been actually not fast too.” – commented Regis back at the pit garage after the Superpole – “Then in the second slip I recovered a lot, but at that point my gap was too heavy. Despite that my Superpole laptime has been the best of the two practice day. The tyres worked well and the bike in race set up look to be OK. Today the track was very slippery for the hot temperature and if weather conditions tomorrow will be the same we’ll have a very hard race and we’ll take care how to manage the tyres.”

David Garcia has been faster in the final qualifying session, recording the 18th fastest. The Spanish rider will try during the morning warm up tomorrow his fitting and will take a decision about the race start.

“This morning I’ve been really faster and I missed by a whisker the Superpole admission. Unfortunately the practice session has been stopped by red flag less at ten minutes to go and at the restart I hadn’t any time for a new last assault. Today we tested a new rear arm in magnesium, realised by the team and that should have a better twist characteristics. But at the moment I’m not able to give a correct evaluation because I can’t push hardly, but today’s test has given however interesting results.”


More, from a press release issed by Team Suzuki News Service:

IANNUZZO ON THE FRONT ROW! LAVILLA NINTH

It was a day of mixed fortunes for Team Alstare Corona Extra at Misano today. Vittorio Iannuzzo grabbed a superb front row grid place in the Superpole shoot-out, but regular Alstare Suzuki rider Gregorio Lavilla had a heavy fall in the morning session and was run over by another rider. He was nowhere near fully fit, but still managed to take part in the afternoon untimed session and Superpole, finishing a very creditable ninth. Iannuzzo is a ‘wild card’ here at Misano and surprised everybody by having the audacity to lead the 16-rider Superpole shoot-out until Neil Hodgson (Ducati) and Frankie Chili (Ducati) went quicker in the final moments. Chili had been the fastest in normal qualifying, but Hodgson once more pulled one out of the bag to take his sixth pole position of the season. Chili ended up second, with James Toseland (Ducati) third and Iannuzzo a well-deserved fourth.

GREGORIO LAVILLA ­ 9TH, 1: 35.892
In the morning session, I had a very slow speed fall ­ a bit like the one I had at Silverstone last week ­ and then my head was run over by another rider. I don’t know why I crashed, ­ the front just tucked in and I couldn’t do anything about it. Unfortunately, somebody’s front wheel (Gramigni maybe?) ran over my head. I went to hospital for a check-up, but I was OK, so I carried on this afternoon. I must say that I didn’t feel quite with it and there seemed to be an empty space where my head should be. Obviously, I couldn’t push my hardest and I finished as best I was able.

VITTORIO IANNUZZO ­ 4TH, 1:35.261
I am so happy to be on the front row of the grid! Especially after my crash last week in Silverstone, because I was disappointed with my race results. Today has gone a long way to a making up for that and it is great to be on the front row ahead of so many regular riders. Of course, the races tomorrow may be different, but I am looking forward to them so much. The tyres are probably going to be a problem towards the end, and I’m sure they’re going to be sliding around a lot, but it’ll be the same for everybody. At the start of the season, I said I’d be happy to get top ten finishes in my ‘wild card’ rides this season, but if I can get a top six this weekend, I will be so happy.

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By Glenn LeSanto

Sanna goes pole in Misano Supersport

Simone Sanna took a popular pole position in front of a delighted Italian crowd in the final qualifying session ahead of tomorrow’s World Supersport championship race.

Sanna took pole late in the session, forcing Chris Vermeulen to fit another qualifier to respond. Vermeulen was on course, going through the first two splits ahead of Sanna’s time. But when the runaway leader of the championship arrived at the final chicane he found several riders on the racing line but not on racing speed, apparently awaiting a tow from a faster rider. The obstruction may have cost Vermeulen pole.

Ten Kate Honda team manager, Ronald ten Kate had plenty to say about the incident;

“We seem to have riders in this championship who aren’t sufficiently confident in their own abilities to lap alone,” he said. “Instead they hang around, often blocking the racing line, waiting for a faster rider to give them a tow. When Chris came to the final chicane he was lapping under Sanna’s time and on his way to pole position. Instead of pole he found several riders just rolling around, not at racing speed but on the racing line. He had to dive underneath another rider to get through the turn. It’s just not acceptable behaviour from professional racers.”

The pair are joined on the front row by Sanna’s Belgarda Yamaha team mate Jurgen van den Goorbergh and Suzuki Alstare pilot Katsuaki Fujiwara.

World Supersport championship
Round seven, San Marino, June 20 – 21 – 22
Final qualifying practice, fastest laps:

1. Simone Sanna, Yamaha, 1:36.846
2. Chris Vermeulen, Honda, 1:36.996
3. Jurgen van den Goorbergh, Yamaha, 1:37.005
4. Fabien Foret, Kawasaki, 1:37.022
5. Katsuaki Fujiwara, Suzuki, 1:37.065
6. Alessi Corradi, Yamaha, 1:37.069
7. Broc Parkes, Honda, 1:37.359
8. Stephane Chambon, Suzuki, 1:37.526
9. Christian Kellner, Yamaha, 1:37.644
10. Karl Muggeridge, Honda, 1:37.848


More, from a press release issued by Honda:

HONDA’S VERMEULEN SECOND AS SANNA SCOOPS POLE

Honda CBR600RR rider Chris Vermeulen will start from second place on the grid after narrowly missing out on pole position to Simone Sanna during Saturday¹s frantic final qualifying session for Sunday’s seventh round of the World Supersport championship at Misano, San Marino.

Championship leader Vermeulen reported: “I was heading for pole position on my very last lap but there was a couple of riders wobbling through the last chicane and I lost too much time trying to avoid them.”

The Ten Kate Honda rider continued: “Starting anywhere on the front row of the grid is OK and we’ve got a really good race set-up with the RR. Pirelli have come up with some good race tyres for Misano which is never that easy to do–it’s a tricky circuit and a strange surface.”

Jurgen van den Goorbergh–Vermeulen’s nearest challenger in the championship chase–will start from third while defending world champion Fabien Foret is fourth to complete the front row of the grid.

Suzuki’s Katsuaki Fujiwara took the fifth best time as no fewer than 23 riders bettered the existing lap record in the sweltering heat at the Adriatic coastal venue.

Alessio Corradi bounced back from a crash eight minutes into the session to take sixth place on the grid while promising Australian Broc Parkes was seventh on his BKM Honda, Parkes commented: “That’s not bad considering I’m still learning how to qualify ­ I’m hopeless at it! But I’m really happy with the rear race tyre so I may be on for a good finish tomorrow.”

Stephane Chambon completes the second, in eighth place, with Christian Kellner ninth and Ten Kate Honda¹s Karl Muggeridge 10th.

“I’ve struggled all weekend, a bit like last week at Silverstone but we sorted that on Saturday night and I finished third so let’s hope we can do the same here,” said Muggeridge.

Klaffi Honda’s Robert Ulm picked himself up from a crash at the end of the Misano straight to take 14th place on the grid, the Austrian rider commented: “I took my spare machine out after the crash and went quicker so I probably got away with it and I feel confident for the race ­ Misano is a circuit I like.”

Ulm will be joined on the fourth row by Van Zon Honda¹s Werner Daemen and BKM Honda¹s Christophe Cogan. Daemen took 15th place and said: “I should have been in the top 10 but two Italian riders got in my way at the chicane and I had to close the throttle before I knew which way they were going. I feel OK for the race but it will be a tough one ­ especially in this heat.”

Cogan, in 16th, commented: “I’ve paid the price for not being organised with tyre selection yesterday but I qualified in 13th place in Valencia and finished fourth so I know it is possible.”

A frustrated Sebastien Charpentier took 17th place on his Klaffi Honda, the Frenchman admitted: “I’ve not been doing my job this weekend, I have to work harder. I just need to try and find a good rear race tyre in the morning and then I’ll be ready.”

Van Zon Honda’s Iain MacPherson was disappointed with his 19th place, the Scottish ace reported: “I got held up badly on my fast lap by two riders messing about in the chicane. I feel in much better shape than yesterday and the race set-up is good but starting from the fifth row is a bit of a nightmare.”


More, from a press release issued by Team Suzuki News Service:

FUJI JUST MISSES POLE
It was a hot and difficult day for Team Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra at Misano, which culminated in a dramatic end to the final timed qualifying session. During the last ten minutes the lead changed hands several times and Team Alstare Suzuki rider was in contention for a front row grid place. Then, with just a couple of minutes remaining, Simone Sanna (Yamaha) put in an unexpected flyer of a lap and took pole position. Sanna’s lap of 1:6.846 was enough to bump Fujiwara down the order to fifth place and a spot on the second row of the grid. Second is series leader Chris Vermeulen (Honda), ahead of van den Goorbergh (Yamaha) and reigning champion Fabien Foret (Kawasaki). Fujiwara’s team mate struggled with suspension problems in the today’s timed session and ended up eight quickest and will line up at the other end of the second row line to his team mate.

KATSUAKI FUJIWARA ­ 5TH, 1:37.065
I am very disappointed not to be on the front row of the grid and now I know I must make a very good start tomorrow. But the lap times are very close, so it’s not all that bad. In the morning warm-up we’ll try a little change to the gearbox and see if we can improve third gear. I’m still not completely sure about which tyres to use, because I’m sure it’s going to be very hot again tomorrow and that will affect tyre wear. I hope I can conserve my tyres in the early part of the race and then push hard later on, but whatever happens, I really want a podium place.

STEPHANE CHAMBON ­ 8TH, 1:37.526
I could be happier. I had some (suspension) problems this afternoon in middle of the corners and I couldn’t get a really good drive out. The race is going to be very hard, long and hot, so tyre choice is going to be critical. I’ll talk with or Dunlop technicians and we’ll try and come up with the right package for the race. I’m disappointed not to be on the front row, but I promise I will be better in the race tomorrow.


More, from a press release issued by Belgarda Yamaha:

SIMONE ON POLE! JURGEN THIRD
Team Yamaha Belgarda riders Simone Sanna and Jurgen van den Goorbergh had a superb final qualifying at Misano today, ending with the Italian taking pole position.

The last ten minutes of final were dramatic, with the lead changing several times, but with less then three minutes remaining Simone Sanna suddenly found something extra and blasted his way to the top of the leaderboard.

Sanna’s time of 1:36.846 was nearly two tenths of a second quicker then his nearest rival and was so late in the session that nobody else had time to respond. Sanna’s team mate Jurgen van den Goorbergh also had a tremendous final session, finishing third quickest after shaving nearly half a second off his previous best time. Both Simone and Jurgen are also happy with the set-ups and are looking forward to tomorrow’s 23-lapper and will be chasing Yamaha Belgarda’s first win of the year.

SIMONE SANNA ­ 1ST, 1:36.846
I know I left it late ­ but better late then never! Having tested here before helped me and the team and I like this track a lot, so I was comfortable from the start. I’m very happy with my YZF-R6 and now I’m looking forward to the race tomorrow. It feels like a good result has been a long time coming for me, but it has been hard for me to adjust to this type of bike after riding a 125 GP bike. I’m very happy to be on pole, but what really matters tomorrow is for me to get a good start and finish on the podium. It’s important for me and the team and for all my fans who have come here to support me.

JURGEN VD GOORBERGH ­ 3rd, 1:37.005
I’m happy to be on the front row for the race and I’m happy because I think we found a good bike set-up. I also know which tyres to use, so I’m ready to race. Pole would’ve been nice, but a front row place is all I needed and that’s what I’ve got. We tested here and that has helped us a little and this weekend has gone pretty well so far. I think a podium is possible for sure and a win would be great.

From a press release issued by Yamaha Australia:

2003 Shell Advance Australian Superbike Championship
Round 3, Winton Motor Raceway, Victoria
Event preview

YAMAHA STARS REJOIN THE BATTLE AT WINTON

The past two months have proven to be a very difficult time for a number of the leading Yamaha stars, but this weekend, they will all be aiming to get their championship prospects back in order as they head to the third round of the Australian Superbike Championship at the northern Victorian Winton Motor Raceway.

Nikon Yamaha stars Kevin Curtain and Daniel Stauffer were involved in a horrifying high-speed fall at the last round of the championship at Phillip Island and after sacrificing points lost in the second and third races of that round, will be aiming to get their Yamaha YZF-R1s back amongst the major points over this weekend. The month’s break between rounds has allowed both riders to recuperate as best they can, but both are looking forward to getting back aboard their bikes once more.

Curtain currently holds down third place overall, just six points shy of points leader Shawn Giles (107 – 101), while Stauffer sits in fifth place with a total of 62 points.

Another in search of a good result will be Stafford Yamaha’s Stephen Tozer. The Victorian veteran has been in good form this year, but like Curtain and Stauffer suffered injury at the Island. Currently ninth on the table, he is recovering from a broken wrist but will be fit to give the young guns another run for their money.

The Australian Supersport Championship features a quality line up of Yamaha supported riders at this event. Leading the way once more is Curtain as he continues to double up his race duties where he currently holds a handy 15-point lead in the championship chase aboard his Nikon Yamaha YZF R6.

He will be ably supported by a strong contingent of youngsters aiming to do well. On the second Nikon Yamaha R6, Queensland teenager Brendan Clarke sits third in the championship, one place ahead of Sydney Yamaha privateer Glen Allertion, who is growing in confidence after taking a race win from Curtain at the Island and then took victory at the last Formula Xtreme round in Queensland two weeks ago.

Three more Yamaha runners lie in the top ten of the championship at this stage, with Sydney’s diminutive Shaun Geronimi (Procycles Yamaha) seventh, one place ahead of Queensland’s Judd Greedy, while Melbourne’s Glen Holland (Geoff Taylor Yamaha) rounds out the top ten.

Not to be overlooked by those in the top ten, will be South Australia’s Michael Brenton (Yamaha World), Victorian brothers Deon (Gary O’Brien Yamaha) and Jordan Coote (Pakenham Yamaha) and New South Wales hard charger Mark Stanley (Lismore Motorcycles). Each are more than capable of running within the top ten at Winton and could spring a surprise amongst their more fancied rivals.

Taree teenager Alex Cudlin (Fineline Motorcycles) trails Leigh McKenzie by 47 points as they head to the third round of the Australian Superstock Championship. The 16-year-old has shown a huge amount of potential in what has been his debut season of senior road racing. He continues to improve with each outing and will eat into McKenzie’s early points advantage.

Qualifying for the weekend’s round commences on Friday morning, before racing commences on Saturday afternoon, followed by a full program of action on Sunday.

AUSTRALIAN SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP (Points after 2 of 5 rounds)

1. S Giles (Suzuki) 107; 2. C Coxhell (Suzuki) 105; 3. K Curtain (Yamaha) 101; 4. S Johnson (Honda) 71; 5. D Stauffer (Yamaha) 62; 6. B George (Honda) 56; 7. S Charlton (Honda) 39; 8. A Maxwell (Honda) 37; 9. S Tozer (Yamaha) 37; 10. J Taylor (Honda) 36.


AUSTRALIAN SUPERSPORT CHAMPIONSHIP (Points after 2 of 5 rounds)

1. K Curtain (Yamaha) 122; 2. S Johnson (Honda) 107; 3. B Clarke (Yamaha) 88; 4. G Allerton (Yamaha) 85; 5. R Holland (Kawasaki) 57; 6. J Brookes (Honda) 54; 7. S Geronimi (Yamaha) 51; 8. J Greedy (Yamaha) 45; 9. M Aitchison (Suzuki) 28; 10. G Holland (Yamaha) 25.


AUSTRALIAN SUPERSTOCK CHAMPIONSHIP (Points after 2 of 5 rounds)

1. L McKenzie (Suzuki) 119; 2. A Cudlin (Yamaha) 72; 3. A Tomasetti (Kawasaki) 65.