Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Hodgson wins first race at Phillip Island

By Glenn Le Santo

Neil Hodgson made it three from three in the 2003 Superbike World Championship with an emphatic win at Phillip Island in race one.

It might have all been very different had Pierfrancesco Chili’s Ducati not exploded on lap five on the exit of the Southern Loop, forcing him out of what had been a four-way fight involving Chris Walker, Hodgson, Gregorio Lavilla and Chili. With Chili, gone Hodgson got his head down and stormed off to win three.

Behind Hodgson a huge battle ensued between Lavilla and Walker. While the two tripped each other up, Ruben Xaus was charging up through the field to join the party.

When Xaus caught the pair, Walker started to drop back through the field, leaving the two Spaniards to fight it out. In the end, Xaus wore Lavilla and the big Suzuki down to take second.

Fourth position was also a very hotly contested fight, with local hero Steve Martin taking the honours from Troy Corser, followed by Regis Laconi. The three had been scrapping fairing-to-fairing for several laps. Martin prevailed to take fourth, his career best WSB result and the best yet for the Pirelli tires in World Superbike.


World Superbike Race One Results:

1. Neil Hodgson, Ducati 999F03, 22 laps, 34:51.974
2. Ruben Xaus, Ducati 999F03, -7.745 seconds
3. Gregorio Lavilla, Suzuki GSX-R1000, -11.480 seconds
4. Steve Martin, Ducati 998RS, -17.968 seconds
5. Troy Corser, Petronas Foggy FP1, -18.353 seconds
6. Regis Laconi, Ducati 998RS, -18.647 seconds
7. Chris Walker, Ducati 998F02, -20.317 seconds
8. David Garcia, Ducati 998RS, -29.731 seconds
9. Marco Borciani, Ducati 998RS, -30.113 seconds
10. Lucio Pedercini, Ducati 998RS, -30.226 seconds
11. Ivan Clementi, Kawasaki ZX-7RR, -30.530 seconds
12. Juan Borja, Ducati 998RS, -43.660 seconds
13. Mauro Sanchini, Kawasaki ZX-7RR, -47.605 seconds
14. Giovani Bussei, Yamaha YZF-R1, -47.624 seconds
15. James Haydon, Petronas Foggy FP1, -65.701 seconds
16. Nello Russo, Ducati 998RS, -89.603 seconds
17. Jay Normoyle, Suzuki GSX-R1000, -1 lap
18. Steven Cutting, Suzuki GSX-R1000, -1 lap
19. Alistar Maxwell, Honda CBR954RR, -1 lap
20. Walter Tortoroglio, Honda RC51, -7 laps, DNF
21. Pierfrancesco Chili, Ducati 998RS, -18 laps, DNF
22. James Toseland, Ducati 998F02, -15 laps, DNF, mechanical

Fastest Lap: Hodgson, 1:33.895


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

Corser fifth as Foggy PETRONAS Racing score points double

Troy Corser clinched a dramatic fifth place on the FP1 in the first race of round two of the World Superbike championship at Phillip Island. And James Haydon completed the 22 laps of the Australian coastal circuit in 15th place to seal a double points-scoring first for Foggy PETRONAS Racing.

Troy, who started from sixth in the grid in a race won by Neil Hodgson on the factory Ducati, out-braked four other riders to move from seventh to fourth going into the first corner of the final lap, before being edged into fifth place by fellow Aussie Steve Martin. Troy also recorded the top speed of the race when the FP1 clocked 293.8kph.

He said: “I was just starting to catch the group in front of me when they caught Chris Walker, who held them up. I was actually hoping they would catch them there and I managed to get a draught and beat them on the brakes. Martin sneaked inside me at MG and, if I had known it was the last lap, I would have blocked him off. Fifth is not too bad as I just struggled a little with acceleration but my set-up was good and the Michelin tyre worked well.”

James, who ran wide on the second lap, battled back in a gutsy display to finish in the points. He said: “At the final turn of the first lap I was right up the back of one of the Kawasakis in 13th. He slid and shut the throttle off, so I had to and that meant were 10 bike lengths behind the others. So I had to use him as a marker for the next corner, turn one and he was way too hot going into the turn, so when I hopped out of his slipstream, so was I. I ran straight on went down a six foot bank – it felt like I was motocrossing. Then I was last and by the time I had passed the stragglers I was way behind 14th so I just my time to learn as much about the bike and the track as possible so that I could make changes for the second race.”


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

Mixed fortunes for battling Brits

The first race at the second round of the Superbike World Championship produced mixed fortunes for the HM Plant Ducati team. James Toseland was forced to retire from the early stages of the race, while Chris Walker produced a gritty display to finish seventh at the superb 4.445km Phillip Island circuit, near Melbourne. The race was won convincingly by Ducati Corse’s Neil Hodgson – his third consecutive victory in the 2003 series.

While Hodgson established his lead at the front of the World Superbike field, Walker was battling for the other podium positions behind Ruben Xaus. However, the HM Plant Ducati rider lost ground in the closing stages of the race to finish some nine seconds down on third placed Gregorio Lavilla.

“That was a frustrating race, which started so well but ended in relative disappointment,” said Walker. “The main reason for this was a poor tyre choice on our part for race distance. However, we’ve obviously learnt from that and I can guarantee that we’ll be able to make better progress in race two. The top speed of the HM Plant Ducati was on a par with the other bikes on the track thanks to engine builder Stewart Johnstone’s hard work, so I know that I’ve got that advantage up my sleeve when it matters most.”

Toseland was unfortunate to discover that the side panel on his HM Plant Ducati had come loose and he was forced to retire after seven laps before the black flag was shown with the number 52 on it.

“That was really unlucky,” admitted the 22-year-old Sheffield star. “However, my disappointment is tempered by the fact that I know that there is nothing that I could have done about it. We’ll just have to put it down as a racing incident and make up for it in the second leg.”


More, from a press release issued by Alstare Corona Suzuki:

Team Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra: Super podium for Gregorio

Team Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra rider Gregorio Lavilla took a superb podium in the first race at Phillip Island today. Riding the GSXR1000, Gregorio made a good start in the first of the two 22-lappers and even had the audacity to move into second place behind eventual winner Neil Hodgson (Ducati) after four laps. He was second until just five laps from the end, but a fading rear tyre prevented him from fighting off the attentions of fellow countryman Ruben Xaus (Ducati). In the second race, Gregorio was well poised for another podium, but his rear tyre started chunking and he was forced to slow the pace. He knew he should have pulled in, but he kept going nonetheless and ended in seventh place. Hodgson also won that race and Xaus again took runner-up spot.


GREGORIO – Race 1: 3rd, Race 2: 7th I am happy and disappointed. I am really happy that we managed a podium in the first race, but disappointed because I knew we had another podium in the bag in the second race. I was comfortably in third place and catching Hodgson and Xaus, when I suddenly began having big tyre problems. I knew it was bad, but I didn’t realise how bad it was until the race was over! I made a good start in the first race and was in second place for eleven laps, but when Xaus came past I knew it would be difficult to get past him. My tyre was gone, but I took third place without any problem. It was great to be back on the podium. The last time was at Misano in 2001, so it felt really good. I was happy, because it was a reward for all the hard work the team have done and a sign that we are going in the right direction. For the second race, we kept everything the same – including the tyres. The rear was the same as I tried in a long run in practice and I used in the first race. My start was not so good this time, but I was in second place after five laps and everything seemed to be going OK. Two laps later I was third, but I was in contact with the two up front and looking forward to another podium. Before long I started having tyre problems and soon I was slipping down the order. I should’ve stopped, but I was determined to get a finish of some sort, so I carried on. It was frustrating because I knew that I would’ve finished on the podium for sure – but that’s racing.

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By Beth Wyse

Vesrah Suzuki’s Tray Batey won three out of 10 races during the WERA National Challenge Series season opening round at Jennings GP in Florida.

Batey won 750cc Superstock on his Suzuki GSX-R750, leading the entire 10-lap race. Batey built an early lead as Josh Hayes worked his way into second and tried unsuccessfully to close in on him.

In Heavyweight Twins, Batey’s usual runaway victory was hampered when his bike quit running on the first lap. Batey got it restarted, but had to chase down Bradley Champion and Bill St. John, who wound up second and third behind Batey and his Suzuki TL1000R.

Batey’s third victory came in the Pirelli Formula 1 race, which he ran on his Vesrah Suzuki GSX-R750. He pulled away from the rest of the field and won by a long margin.

Robert Jensen took two victories in his second visit to Jennings GP. His first win came in the 600cc Superstock race on his Yamaha YZF-R6. The race was red-flagged, and on the restart Jensen was only fifth. He worked his way up to the front for the win.

Jensen won the 600cc Superbike race and rode his fastest times of the day, turning a fast lap of 1:17.4 around the two-mile track. He got out front early and was not challenged.

Vesrah Suzuki’s Mark Junge won Open Superstock on his Suzuki GSX-R1000. He got away from the field early in the race. Jensen slowly closed the gap although he was unable to make any challenge for the lead.

Greg Moore won 750cc Superbike on his Suuzki GSX-R750. Moore was a Novice racer in 2002, and this was his first WERA National event as an Expert. He took the lead on the second lap and had to hold off a charge from Giovanni Rojas, who was also on a GSX-R750.

Brian Kcraget took two wins on his Honda RS125, winning both 125cc GP and Formula 2. He was not challenged in the 125cc race, but he had a bad start in Formula 2 and had to work his way up to the front, passing Mark Brown and Jeff Walker.

Bradley Champion won Lightweight Twins on his Suzuki SV650. He started from the pole and led every lap, building a comfortable lead early in the race. First-year Expert Martin Musil started from near the back of the field on his BBC Racing Suzuki SV650 and quickly worked his way into second, where he was able to make up some time on Champion.

Round two of the WERA National Challenge Series is in two weeks, at Carolina Motorsports Park.

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Day One Lap Times From IRTA Test At Suzuka:

1. Valentino Rossi, Honda, 2:05.060
2. Alex Barros, Yamaha, 2:05.250
3. Max Biaggi, Honda, 2:05.397
4. Daijiro Kato, Honda, 2:05.397
5. Loris Capirossi, Ducati, 2:05.529
6. Sete Gibernau, Honda, 2:05.847
7. Tohru Ukawa, Honda, 2:06.363
8. Nicky Hayden, Honda, 2:06.704
9. Kenny Roberts, Suzuki, 2:06.797
10. Norick Abe, Yamaha, 2:06.810
11. Colin Edwards, Aprilia, 2:06.873
11. Noriyuki Haga, Aprilia, 2:06.873
13. Akira Ryo, Suzuki, 2:07.200
14. Troy Bayliss, Ducati, 2:07.300
15. Akira Yanagawa, Kawasaki, 2:07.332
16. Shinya Nakano, Yamaha, 2:07.346
17. Marco Melandri, Yamaha, 2:07.404
18. Garry McCoy, Kawasaki, 2:07.457
19. Carlos Checa, Yamaha, 2:07.583
20. Andrew Pitt, Kawasaki, 2:07.626
21. Nobuatsu Aoki, Proton KR3, 2:07.979
22. John Hopkins, Suzuki, 2:08.014
23. Makato Tamada, Honda, 2:08.045
24. Olivier Jacque, Yamaha, 2:08.346
25. Tamaki Serizawa, Moriwaki Honda, 2:08.646
26. Akiyoshi, Suzuki, 2:09.002
27. Chris Burns, Harris WCM, 2:12.275

Highest top speed: Capirossi, Ducati 186.05 mph (300.08 kph)


More, from a press release issued by Yamaha:

Although misfortune stuck Yamaha riders Alex Barros (Gauloises Yamaha Team) and Carlos Checa (Fortuna Yamaha Team) during the early stages of the Suzuka IRTA test – held March 30 – the former bounced back to produce the second fastest time of the day. Soon after the session began Barros found himself in the gravel trap after fellow competitor Andrew Pitt (Kawasaki) collected the rear end of the #4 M1 as the pair entered the circuit’s new chicane. Although both riders recovered from the incident unhurt, Barros was forced out of action for a portion of the morning session as preparations were made to his number two machine. Barros’ determination shone through, however, when the Brazilian ended the day with a 2:05.250 – produced on his final lap, while sampling the new ‘R series shaped’ M1 fairing for the first time. Barros completed only a handful of laps with the new bodywork but was full of praise for Yamaha’s efforts, especially as he was only 0.045 seconds behind Valentino Rossi (Honda, 2:05.060) after a less than perfect day.

For Checa it was an intermittent electrical gremlin that hindered his progress, although the cause is still to be confirmed. As a result Checa was also forced out of action for most of the morning session while preparations were made to his second bike. He concluded the day with a 2:07.583 (19th). His Fortuna Yamaha Teammate Marco Melandri went slightly faster with a 2:07.404 to be 17th quickest.

Gauloises Yamaha Team
Alex Barros 2nd, 2:05.250: “I very happy with the new fairing, the feeling is much better because of the improved aerodynamics. It was a big effort for Yamaha to produce this in time for this test, because its not a simple case of just putting a new fairing on, you need to change many small things so that it fits well. But it was well worth the effort because now it looks much faster – and as you can see looks count for a great deal.

Shinya Nakano
“The day didn’t start off so good, however, as Pitt and I had a coming together. It’s a mistake easily done, I know I’ve made the same mistake myself, but we’re both lucky to be unhurt. The only thing was it meant a big delay, which put pressure on us to get through everything we wanted to test today. We did manage to get a good base set-up, but tomorrow will surely be more productive.”

Olivier Jacque 24th, 2:08.346: “It was not a very good day for me. We had a few problems, which we needed to sort out, and that meant I didn’t get the track time I’d hoped for. Tomorrow better be better.”

Yamaha Factory Testing Team
Norick Abe 10th, 2:06.810: “I like this track very much, and I am determined to put in a good show next weekend for the home crowd. We have many things to test still, but overall the bike is improving. We still need to fine-tune the drive characteristics off the turns, but we’re getting there.”

d’Antin Yamaha Team
Shinya Nakano 16th, 2:07.346: “In the last 30 minutes I managed to make some improvements, but overall it wasn’t a great day. It started off with a silly mistake that saw me crash when I lost the front of the bike under brakes. It then took a while to get back on track, but it eventually started to come good.”

Carlos Checa
Fortuna Yamaha Team
Marco Melandri 17th, 2:07.404: “It wasn’t too easy out there today, but we did manage to get a fair bit done. We found a good tyre and a pretty good base setting to work from for the rest of the test, and that will be a big help for next weekend.”

Carlos Checa 19th, 2:07.583: “It was an unlucky day for me today. It was frustrating to start things off with an electrically issue, but we were testing a new electronic component that caused the problem, and it was better it occurred at the test rather than during the race weekend.”


More, from a press release issued by Ducati Corse:

DUCATI MARLBORO TEAM OFF TO A POSITIVE START IN SUZUKA


The Desmosedici debut in Japan was positive for both riders who were very satisfied at the end of the first MotoGP test day in Japan.

Fine weather conditions but rather low temperatures (around 10 C degrees in the morning and no more than 14 C in the afternoon) allowed a regular test session to be carried out by the MotoGP teams.

The demanding and recently modified Japanese track did not create any particular problems for the new Ducati Desmosedici which proved, once again, to have already reached an advanced stage of development and able to adjust well to different circuits.

The Japanese track is one of Capirossi’s favourites: the Italian was among the fastest riders all day, and closed the day with the fifth fastest lap time overall with a 2:05.529.

“I am very pleased with the work we did today,” said Loris. “The bike is working well and we are testing some new Ohlins forks that are already responding well. The modifications to the final part of the track suit me and Suzuka remains one the circuits where I am most at ease. Tomorrow we’ll continue the set-up work on the forks and I am very confident that we can be even faster.”

Bayliss, who celebrates his 34th birthday today, had never ridden at Suzuka before, and began to get accustomed to the circuit in today’s 6-hour test, constantly improving his pace throughout the day and finally achieving his fastest lap time of 2:07.300.

“I am very happy to have an opportunity to do a two-day test before the race next Sunday and also with the way everything went today,” said Troy. “We did a good job and I’m already fairly satisfied with my set-up. This is a long, difficult circuit but I’m already getting more and more familiar with it and I’m sure we can do even better tomorrow.”

Tomorrow will be the final practice day for the MotoGP teams before the official start of the 2003 World Championship next Friday.


More, from a press release issued by Camel Pramac Pons:

TOHRU UKAWA AND MAX BIAGGI ROUND OFF A PROMISING IRTA TEST OF CATALUNYA.

The Camel Pramac Pons riders played a major role in the second day of the IRTA test session taking place at the Circuit de Catalunya, the last practice in Europe before the start of the MotoGP World Championship on April 6th in Suzuka, Japan. Tohru Ukawa was the only rider to come anywhere close to the “pole” of Loris Capirossi, beating his best time at this circuit by some margin, while Max Biaggi improved considerably on the previous day’s times, but he feels that there is still room for improvement if he is to be amongst the leaders in the first race of the season.

Tohru Ukawa, 1:43.832 (84 laps)

“I have a good feeling on the bike and was able to set a really fast time. In fact I have improved a lot on my best lap time from last year at this circuit. Yesterday I went to ground when I lost the front of the bike and this affected my progress, but today I felt full of confidence again. We spent the whole day working on various suspension and tyre settings. I think I am ready for the first race and I am looking forward to putting in a good performance in front of my home crowd”.

Max Biaggi, 1:44.32 (92 laps)

“Today we managed to find a much better set-up than yesterday. The bike was more balanced and although I am still not happy with the way it enters the corners, I felt more comfortable riding it. I know that the problems we are having can be resolved with a new clutch part which other riders have already, but while I wait for it to arrive I must make the most of the material I have. I have also tried new tyres which I could not use yesterdy and this made an improvement The better balance of the bike and the improved tyre performance allowed me to set a good time”.

Antonio Cobas (Technical Director)

“Today we were lucky with the weather and finally we could complete a lot of work on the bike set-up. We are very happy with the time set by Ukawa who has practically finished his preseason preparations as the bike is set up correctly for him, and there is nothing left to test. As far as Biaggi is concerned, his bike is different and we still have work to do so that he feels more comfortable on it and we hope to shortly receive new parts to help improve this”.

Sito Pons

“The outcome of these two days of testing at the Circuit de Catalunya is positive, and was rounded off by an excellent time set by Tohru Ukawa who narrowly missed being the fastest here today. For the first time we have been able to see all the riders and bikes of the championship together on the track and it is clear that there is strong competition. It promises to be a thrilling season”.

The Camel Pramac Pons team will be back in action at the IRTA MotoGP practice sessions at Suzuka (Japan), scheduled for the 30 and 31 of March.

From a press release issued by MonsterMob Ducati:

MONSTERMOB DUCATI BRITISH SUPERBIKE TEAM

Round 1 – 2003 British Superbike Championship powered by HALLS, Silverstone

Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th March 2003

BYRNE LEADS BRITISH SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP

MonsterMob Ducati’s Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne drew first blood at the opening round of the British Superbike Championship powered by Halls when he followed up a race win in the opening leg with a safe second place in race two to end the day leading the 24 race series with 45 points from nearest rival Michael Rutter (38 points).

In race one, Shakey took the lead from Michael Rutter in the early stages and pulled away from the field to take the first victory of the season from Suzuki rider Yukio Kagayama.

The 26 year old from Minster, led from the start in race two but traded places with fellow Ducati rider Michael Rutter to end up finishing in second place aboard the MonsterMob Ducati F02 machine.

“The first race was fantastic and what a way to start the season “said Byrne. “I tried a different tyre in race two but I couldn’t hang on to Michael but I’m happy enough with the results”.

MonsterMob Ducati Supersport rider Stuart Easton also led the British Supersport race from the start, finishing in 3rd place after the race was red flagged with four laps to go.

The 18 year old from Hawick ran with the leading bunch for much of the race but when the race was stopped, his hopes of a race win were dashed.

“I was planning a challenge later on in the race but wasn’t sure if the tyre was good enough so I’m happy with a rostrum although I would have liked to have been a place or two higher” said defending champion Easton.

Team owner Paul Bird commented: “That first race win was fantastic and all credit to the boys in the garage who have worked hard. There’s a long way to go yet though but we’ve shown we intend to hang on to our titles.”

The next round takes place at Snetterton over the weekend of April 11th & 12th.

Superbike Results

Race One
1. Shane Byrne (MonsterMob Ducati) 32:28.749
2. Yukio Kagayama (Suzuki) 32:30.090
3. Glen Richards (Kawasaki) 32:33.671
4. Michael Rutter (Ducati) 32:41.183
5. Gary Mason (Yamaha) 32:52.844
6. Scott Smart (Kawasaki) 33:03.957
7. Dean Ellison (Ducati) 33:05.973
8. Steve Hislop (Yamaha) 33:07.230
9. Lee Jackson (Kawasaki) 33:09.817
10. Dean Thomas (Yamaha) 33:15.164

Race Two
1. Michael Rutter (Ducati) 32:21.299
2. Shane Byrne (MonsterMob Ducati) 32:22.464
3. Glen Richards (Kawasaki) 32:36.251
4. Yukio Kagayama (Suzuki) 32:40.804
5. Steve Hislop (Yamaha) 32:41.330
6. John Crawford (Ducati) 32:57.100
7. Scott Smart (Kawasaki) 32:59.031
8. Gary Mason (Yamaha) 33:00.210
9. Dean Thomas (Yamaha) 33:02.418
10. Steve Plater (Honda) 33:12.832

Superbike Championship Standings after Round 1
1. Shane Byrne (MonsterMob Ducati) 45pts
2. Michael Rutter (Ducati) 38pts
3. Yukio Kagayama (Suzuki) 33pts
4. Glen Richards (Kawasaki) 32pts
5. Gary Mason (Yamaha) 19pts
6. Scott Smart (Kawasaki) 19pts
7. Steve Hislop (Yamaha) 19pts
8. Dean Thomas (Yamaha) 13pts
9. Lee Jackson (Kawasaki) 12pts
10. John Crawford (Ducati) 10pts


Supersport Result
1. Karl Harris (Honda) 22:54.507
2. John Crockford (Honda) 22:54.795
3. Stuart Easton (MonsterMob Ducati) 22:55.188
4. Leon Haslam (Ducati) 22:56.011
5. Adrian Coates (Honda) 22:57.959
6. Tom Sykes (Yamaha) 23:00.625
7. Simon Andrews (Yamaha) 23:01.823
8. Michael Laverty (Honda) 23:05.568
9. Craig Jones (Triumph) 23:08.475
10. Kieran Murphy (Kawasaki) 23:09.173

Supersport Championship Standings After Round 1
1. Karl Harris 25pts
2. John Crockford 20pts
3. Stuart Easton 16pts
4. Leon Haslam 13pts
5. Adrian Coates 11pts
6. Tom Sykes 10pts
7. Simon Andrews 9pts
8. Michael Laverty 8pts
9. Craig Jones 7pts
10. Kieran Murphy 6pts


More, from a press release issued by Hawk Kawasaki:

BSB Round 1, Silverstone

RACE 1
Sunday March 30
Weather: dry, slight breeze, sunny, 16°C
Track: dry, 15°C

DOUBLE PODIUM KICKS OFF HAWK’S 2003 BSB CHARGE

Hawk Kawasaki got its 2003 British Superbike Championship challenge off to a dream start at Silverstone today, with hard-earned podium finishes in both races, a Man of the Meeting award for rider Glen Richards and a brilliant second place in the series’ Premier Teams League.

Glen Richards, who ruffled the feathers of many of the series’ 1000cc riders throughout yesterday’s qualifying sessions, once again demonstrated his awesome corner speed aboard the ex-factory Hawk Kawasaki ZX-7RR and was rewarded with his first two trips to a BSB podium.

The likeable Aussie, famed for his 110 per cent riding style, took the fight to the leading riders in both races. After a blistering start in race one, which elevated him to third on the opening lap, Richards set his sights higher up the field, reeling in leader Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne – after taking Suzuki GSX-R1000 mounted Yukio Kagayama for second. Glen’s blistering corner speed eventually took its toll on the tyres though, forcing him to settle for a brilliant third and 16 championship points.

‘It’s been a while since I’ve been on the podium,’ beamed a delighted Richards after race one. ‘I’ve sprayed champagne before, but it’s been a long time. It’s just a big relief really because I’ve been waiting a long time to get up here again. We’ve been close a lot of times, but the new bike’s really good, I feel really comfortable on it and it’s working really good so there’s no reason why we can’t keep doing it. I was making up time on Shakey, then I started to lose grip and had to slow down because I didn’t have enough at the front of the bike. Apart from that, the bike was perfect.’

The Hawk Kawasaki rider then backed up his stunning first race result with another third in race two – making him first four-cylinder machine home. His two stunning performances also won him The Man of the Meeting award, as chosen by former GP star Niall Mackenzie. After spraying Hawk Kawasaki Team Principle Stuart Hicken with champagne, Glen said: ‘To be honest, this meeting couldn’t have been much better. I’d really like to thank the mechanics for all their hard work too. They’ve been up against it because they’ve had to build six bikes, but they’ve done a really great job.’

Hawk Kawasaki’s other two riders, Scott Smart and Lee Jackson, were also hugely impressive in their first two races aboard the ZX-7RR. Both riders finished inside the top 10 in race one – Smart a superb sixth and Jackson an excellent ninth.

‘I’m very pleased with the result because it was very hard work throughout the race,’ explained Smart after his first race. ‘I got a good start and was in the right place on the track to avoid the early lap chaos. But as the tyres started to go off the bike became more wild, then the steering damper came loose so it was just a case of trying to find a steady lap time and ride as smoothly as I could while still managing the gap to the guy behind me. Over all it worked pretty well.’

Scott finished the second leg in seventh after a dramatic tussle with Yamaha R1 men Gary Mason and Dean Thomas, in which he got the better of both the 1000cc riders.

Lee Jackson was also pleased with his debut race for the team, in which he almost led defending British Superbike Champion Steve Hislop home: ‘The bike’s working really, really well, although we had a bit of a problem with the front – maybe the front tyre was a little soft. I tried my hardest to pass Dean Ellison, but he just seemed to get better drive. I’m really happy to get some solid points in the bag though.’

And Hawk’s excellent first race showing obviously wasn’t lost on Stuart Hicken: ‘I’m over the moon. We wanted a rostrum –anywhere on it would have done – and for sure Glen was running up there and could have won the race. The front tyre went off with about five or six laps to go, but it was the right choice for the weather conditions. But as everyone can see, we’ve got the chassis working brilliant and there’s still more to come from the engine.

‘All three of our lads were brilliant, because what I wanted for the first race were three bikes upright and we got all three in the top 10. I’m delighted; today’s results mean so, so much to everyone involved with Hawk Kawasaki. We might be severely underpowered compared to the 1000s but we’ve got a great chassis and three excellent riders, as today has proved.’


BSB Race 1 result
1) Shane Byrne, Ducati
2) Yukio Kagayama, Suzuki
3) Glen Richards, Hawk Kawasaki ZX-7RR
4) Michael Rutter, Ducati
5) Gary Mason, Yamaha
6) Scott Smart, Hawk Kawasaki ZX-7RR
7) Dean Ellison, Ducati
8) Steve Hislop, Yamaha
9) Lee Jackson, Hawk Kawasaki ZX-7RR
10) Dean Thomas, Yamaha
11) Paul Jones, Suzuki
Fastest Lap: Yukio Kagayama, Suzuki: 1:27.573, 90.97mph

BSB Race 2 result
1) Michael Rutter, Ducati
2) Shane Byrne, Ducati
3) Glen Richards, Hawk Kawasaki ZX-7RR
4) Yukio Kagayama, Suzuki
5) Steve Hislop, Yamaha
6) John Crawford, Ducati
7) Scott Smart, Hawk Kawasaki ZX-7RR
8) Gary Mason, Yamaha
9) Dean Thomas, Yamaha
10) Steve Plater, Honda.
11) Lee Jackson, Hawk Kawasaki ZX-7RR
12) Paul Jones, Suzuki.
Fastest Lap: Michael Rutter, Ducati: 1:27.435, 91.11 mph (new lap record)

BSB Premier Teams Championship
1) Monstermob – ETI Ducati: 169
2) Hawk Kawasaki: 163
3) Virgin Mobile
Aiwa Yamaha: 161
4) Renegade Ducati: 149
5) TDB Yamaha:

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

The organizers of the Superbike World Championship are trying to get rid of Peter Ingley, the riders’ rep hired and paid by series riders to represent their interests.

Series organizers issued a press release announcing what appears to be unilateral action to eliminate Ingley from ongoing debates over the safety of certain race circuits.

Although the release says Superbike International consulted with riders, it does not list those riders by name and does not include any statements from riders.

The text of the release follows:

Phillip Island 29 March 2003

To whom it may concern

Superbike International, having consulted the riders of the Superbike Top Teams, informs that Mr. Peter Ingley is no longer the riders representative and that he is therefore not entitled to take any official position on their behalf.

Accordingly, any declaration/comment offered by Mr. Ingley as far as the Superbike World Championship is concerned should be regarded as being of a personal nature.

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By Beth Wyse

Vesrah Suzuki led from start to finish in the 6-hour opening race of the 2003 Dunlop/WERA National Endurance Series at Jennings GP in Florida.

Tray Batey, Mark Junge and John Jacobi rode the Vesrah Suzuki GSX-R1000 to a five-lap margin of victory as their success from last season continued.

Army of Darkness finished second overall and first in Mediumweight Superbike. Sam Fleming, Mark Crozier and Jeff Walker rode a Suzuki GSX-R600. Walker, who rode for Neighbor of the Beast in 2002, was racing with Army of Darkness for the first time.

Two laps behind Army of Darkness and third overall were Sean Dillon, Rob Palmieri and Greg Moore on the Team Xtreme II Suzuki GSX-R750. Their finish put them at the top of the Heavyweight Superstock class.

Team InfoTech won the 2002 Lightweight Superbike Championship, but decided to compete in the Mediumweight Superstock class for this season. In their first race in that class, they took the win on a Yamaha YZF-R6. Bradley Champion, Nicky Wimbauer and Bobby Miosek finished fifth overall.

Tight Squeeze Racing led the Lightweight Superbike class early in the race, but mechanical problems allowed their second team, Tight Squeeze II, to take the class win. The Suzuki SV650 of Steve Clark, Martin Musil and Chris Normand finished 12th overall.

Two red flags came out during the six hours. The first was for two riders who crashed in turn nine 23 minutes past the halfway mark. The second was for a rider who went down in turn 12 just before the fifth hour. There were no serious injuries.

Overall Results:

1. Vesrah Suzuki (Mark Junge/Tray Batey/John Jacobi), HSB, Suz GSX-R1000, 229 laps

2. Army of Darkness (Sam Fleming/Mark Crozier/Jeff Walker), MSB, Suz GSX-R600, 224 laps

3. Team Xtreme II (Sean Dillon/Rob Palmieri/Greg Moore), HSS, Suz GSX-R750, 222 laps

4. Velocity Crew Racing (Kevin Perkins/Paul Youngman/John Joseph), MSB, Suz GSX-R600, 221 laps

5. Team InfoTech (Nicky Wimbauer/Bradley Champion/Bobby Miosek), MSS, Yam YZF-R6, 220 laps

6. Team Xtreme (Mark Edwards/Billy Etheridge/Robert Jensen), HSB, Suz GSX-R1000, 220 laps

7. Northern Getaway (Mark Morrow/Tim Kephart/Jamie Miller), HSB, Suz GSX-R750, 219 laps

8. Ricochet Racing (Brian Suffridge/Lee Fields/Greg Ford/C.R. Gittere), MSS, Suz GSX-R600, 218 laps

9. Team Velocity Racing (Chuck Ivey/James Brown/Steve Breckenridge/Reuben Frankenfield), MSS, Suz GSX-R600, 218 laps

10. Ray C’s Racing (Dave Knapp/Fritz Kling), MSS, Yam YZF-R6, 218 laps

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

New AMA rules allowing non-full-factory riders to ride on a track hosting an AMA National during the week leading up to the National have attracted AMA Pros to three days of Fastrack practice at California Speedway in Fontana, California.

AMA Superstock regular Chris “Opie” Caylor made one of the longest treks to the Fastrack event, driving out from Georgia.

Jack Pfeifer, who finished 13th in the Daytona 200 earlier this month, is also practicing at Fontana this weekend, as well as No Limit Motorsports’ Doug Chandler and Jason Curtis, WSMC Champion Jeremy Toye and Chris Ulrich. Vincent Haskovec and Ed Sorbo said they are planning on riding on Sunday.

The Fastrack practice started on Friday, is going on today, Saturday, and will continue on Sunday.

Fastrack is also hosting a Pro practice on this coming Thursday, and official AMA practice starts on Friday for Saturday-and-Sunday’s AMA National.

Track ride groups for non-racers are also featured in Fastrack’s program this weekend, but will not be included in next Thursday’s program.

From a press release issued by MonsterMob Ducati:

MONSTERMOB DUCATI BRITISH SUPERBIKE TEAM

Round 1 – 2003 British Superbike Championship powered by HALLS, Silverstone

Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th March 2003

SECOND PLACES IN QUALIFYING FOR BYRNE AND EASTON

MonsterMob Ducati’s new recruit Shane Byrne just missed out on Pole Position in qualification for the first round of the British Superbike Championship powered by HALLS at Silverstone, Northamptonshire this afternoon.

The 26 year old from Minster, Kent qualified the new factory specification Ducati F02 in provisional pole in the qualifying session to go through to the Dunlop Super 12 (whereby the top 12 qualifiers battle it out for pole position in a 15 minute final session). Byrne just missed out to finish in second place from Michael Rutter who took pole position in a time of 1m26.235s.

“I made a little bit of a mistake on the last lap and I wasn’t quite quick enough. Hopefully we can get a good start and away we go tomorrow.” Said Byrne.

Team mate, Supersport rider Stuart Easton also just missed out on pole from the Honda of Karl Harris.

The 18 year old Scot was fastest in the first qualifying session and ended up qualifying the Ducati 748 in second place in the final session.

“I would have liked to have been on pole instead of second but before I came here my aim was to be on the front row. I lost my rhythm a bit at one stage but managed to pull a quick lap out there. Its going to be a tough year all year, hopefully I can be up there tomorrow.” Said Easton.

Team owner Paul Bird was happy with his team’s performance “I’m happy enough with both riders on the front row and I know we can go faster under race conditions tomorrow” said the Penrith businessman.

Superbike Dunlop Super 12 Qualification

1, Michael Rutter (Ducati) 1:26.235, 2. Shane Byrne (MonsterMob Ducati) 1:26.496, 3. Yukio Kagayama (Suzuki) 1:26.567, 4. Steve Hislop (Yamaha) 1:26.735, 5. Glen Richards (Kawasaki) 1:26.910, 6. John Crawford (Ducati) 127.657, 7. Gary Mason (Yamaha) 1:27.805, 8. Steve Plater (Honda) 1:28.295, 9. Jon Kirkham (Yamaha) 1:28.538, 10. Dean Ellison (Ducati) 1:28.643, 11. Scott Smart (Kawasaki) 1:28.762, 12. John Reynolds (Suzuki) DNF.

Supersport Qualification

1, Karl Harris (Honda) 1:30.063, 2. Stuart Easton (MonsterMob Ducati) 1:30.135, 3. Leon Haslam (Ducati) 1:30.148, 4. Simon Andrews (Yamaha) 1:30.324, 5. Tom Sykes (Yamaha) 1:30.507, 6. John Crockford (Honda) 1:30.541, 7. Michael Laverty (Honda) 1:30.746, 8. Mark Heckles (Honda) 1:30.862, 9. Adrian Coates (Honda) 1:30.970, 10. Rob Frost (Kawasaki) 1:31.230.

Sky Sports will be covering British Superbikes, British Supersport and the Virgin Mobile Yamaha R6 Cup live at all events. The broadcast will run from 1.00pm – 3.00pm and will be repeated on the evening of Race Day and Monday am.


More, from a press release issued by Hawk Kawasaki:

BSB Round 1, Silverstone

QUALIFYING
Saturday March 29
Weather: dry, slight breeze, overcast, 12°C
Track: dry, 12°C

Hawk Kawasaki once again proved a force to be reckoned with in the ultra-competitive British Superbike Championship, with a magnificent performance from all three of its riders during qualifying for tomorrow’s opening round of the series at Silverstone’s International circuit.

Glen Richards led the field for much of today’s fiercely fought qualifying, despite electing to stick on race tyres, rather than soft qualifying rubber, for most of the day. ‘We’ve got the Hawk Kawasaki ZX-7RR working a lot better than yesterday,’ explained Glen. ‘And that has allowed me to ride it how I want to. We made changes to the front suspension and smoothed out the carburation this morning and it now feels really good to ride. I rode for most of qualifying on race rubber and the bike’s working really well on it, so I’m really happy and just looking forward to getting out in the race tomorrow.’

Richards’ brilliant performance during qualifying meant he automatically earned a place in the ‘Dunlop Super 12′, this year’s Superpole replacement, which sees the 12 quickest riders fight for grid positions in a final all-action session. Glen looked sure of a front row starting position, after posting a scorching 1:29.910 lap around the 2.2130 track, but a flying lap from defending British Superbike Champion Steve Hislop in the final minutes of the session means the Hawk Kawasaki rider will now start tomorrow’s races from fifth on the grid.

Scott Smart and Lee Jackson also put in impressive performances, despite this being their first race meeting aboard the Hawk Kawasaki ZX-7RRs. Smart made it into the Dunlop Super 12, alongside Richards, and starts tomorrow’s races from the third row of the grid. ‘It was a good qualifying session and I got some decent laps in – I made my best times on medium rubber rather than super sticky qualifiers, which is better for the race,’ said Scott. ‘And we’ve made real progress with the Hawk Kawasaki throughout the day and got the second bike working really well too. Overall I’m happy and just looking forward to racing tomorrow.’

Despite just missing out on a place in the Super 12, Lee Jackson was pleased with his performance: ‘It’s a shame I didn’t make it into the Dunlop Super 12, but I wasn’t a million miles away,’ he said. ‘I’m happy with my lap times and I feel I’ve got a really good race pace. The thing is, there are 15 really good riders out there so I’m really chuffed to have made it inside that 15 and out-qualified the likes of Sean Emmett. The Hawk Kawasaki’s just so strong and the engine’s so good that the twins and 1000s aren’t really making anything on us. Plus it’s got such a good front end it just tempts you more to push harder and harder and that’s what we’ll be doing.’

After the day’s superb showing from his riders, Hawk Kawasaki Team Principle Stuart Hicken was understandably delighted: ‘Everyone in the team has worked incredibly hard this weekend and the reward is that we’ve found a really good race set up for tomorrow. The chassis we’ve got works extremely well and I feel there’s still a fair bit to come from the motors yet. Once we’ve got that right I think we’ll surprise a few people, especially on the handling circuits.’


FINAL GRID POSITIONS – DUNLOP SUPER 12
1)Michael Rutter, Ducati: 1:26.235.
2) Shane Byrne, Ducati: 1:26.496.
3)Yukio Kagayama, Suzuki: 1:26.567.
4) Steve Hislop, Yamaha: 1:26.735.
5) Glen Richards, Hawk Kawasaki ZX-7RR: 1:26.910.
6) John Crawford, Ducati: 1:27.657.
7) Gary Mason, Yamaha: 1:27.805.
8) Steve Plater, Honda: 1:28.295.
9) Jon Kirkham, Yamaha: 1:28.538.
10) Dean Ellison, Ducati: 1:28.643.
11) Scott Smart, Hawk Kawasaki ZX-7RR: 1:28.762.
12)
John Reynolds, Suzuki: 8:24657.
13) Lee Jackson, Hawk Kawasaki ZX-7RR: 1:28.964

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By Glenn Le Santo

Neil Hodgson put in a sensational lap to clinch pole position for Sunday’s WSB races.

David Garcia who, right up until Hodgson took to the track on his Fila Ducati 999, was sitting at the top of the timesheet provided the surprise of the day. The former GP rider put in an excellent lap on his privateer Ducati 998 and was obviously pushing his bike absolutely to the limit.

Hodgson was just over a 0.1-second slower on the first split than Garcia and yet, by the time his lap was finished, he was an incredible 1.088-second ahead.

“To be honest I think the Hodgson luck must be back,” grinned Hodgson, “because when before I went out on my lap I could see that the wind was blowing everyone around and yet, when I was on my flying lap, the wind seemed to have dropped completely.”

Frankie Chili, who had qualified fastest prior to Superpole, also relegated Garcia a further place by taking second on the grid. But Garcia was nonetheless understandably pleased with his performance; “This was my first-ever Superpole,” explained Garcia; his crash in pre-Superpole warm-up at Valencia wrecked his only bike so he was forced out of Superpole at the first round. “So I am happy to be third on the grid for Sunday.” Garcia, who test rides for Kenny Roberts’ Proton MotoGP team, seems to have settled quickly into the WSB groove. “I like it here in WSB, for me the ambience is better than in MotoGP. I also love my Ducati, I have a good feeling with the bike, the engine is good and the chassis is perfect.”

There’s one weak link in Garcia’s game plan – tyres, “We are not supported by Dunlop, we are a customer so we don’t get the best tyres. I hope that because of today we will get good tyres for the race.”

HM Plant Ducati rider Chris Walker took the final front row position. Hodgson’s teammate Ruben Xaus didn’t make it to the end of the lap, instead cementing his reputation as a crasher by throwing his bike away on the lowside in the Hayshed. He, and his team, were obviously very disappointed to see Xaus drop to the back of the second row.

World Superbike Championship
Round 2, Phillip Island, Australia
Superpole result:

1. Neil Hodgson, GBR, Ducati, 1:33.030
2. Pierfrancesco Chili, ITA, Ducati, 1:34.118
3. David Garcia, ESP, Ducati, 1:34.184
4. Chris Walker, GBR, Ducati, 1:34.211
5. James Toseland, GBR, Ducati, 1:34.329
6. Troy Corser, AUS, Foggy Petronas, 1:34.512
7. Gregorio Lavilla, ESP, Suzuki, 1:34.585
8. Ruben Xaus, ESP, Ducati, Crashed
9. Steve Martin, AUS, Ducati, 1:34.598
10. Regis Laconi, FRA, Ducati, 1:34.712


More, from a press release issued by Ducati Corse:

DUCATI CORSE PRESS INFORMATION

SECOND SUCCESSIVE POLE FOR HODGSON (DUCATI FILA) AT PHILLIP ISLAND – XAUS EIGHTH AFTER SUPERPOLE CRASH

Neil Hodgson (Ducati Fila) stormed to a second successive pole position in blustery conditions at Phillip Island with the factory Ducati 999. Crowd favourite Pierfrancesco Chili (PSG-1 Ducati) will line up alongside for tomorrow’s two 22 lap races, while NCR Ducati’s David Garcia, in his second ever World Superbike race, and HM Plant Ducati’s Chris Walker will join them on the front row.

With Garcia setting the benchmark at an impressive 1:34.185, Hodgson and Chili had it all to do as they set off in that order on their one-lap dash. Despite not running a perfect lap, Neil’s time of 1:33.030 was a full second quicker than the Spanish rider while Chili just edged Garcia out for second place.

“I think I was lucky because the wind wasn’t there for my Superpole lap” joked Hodgson after the session. “Seriously though, I had a couple of moments so it wasn’t perfect. It’s always windy when you come here so it’s really difficult to be consistent. I wasn’t relaxed on the qualifying tyres at all because I’ve done so many laps this weekend on race tyres, and when you put one on it provides you with a lot of grip and the front was moving around so much, so that’s why my lap looked more ragged than it should have done. I’m happy with the set-up and I did a race distance on a rear tyre this morning and it looked fine so I’m feeling really confident because the tyre has done the distance even though Phillip Island is a circuit where conditions can change really quickly.”

Ruben Xaus (Ducati Fila) crashed out for the third time this weekend when the front of his Ducati 999 slid away from beneath him during his Superpole lap and he will line up on the outside of row 2 in eighth position. “I’d like to apologise to the team for this, the guys have worked hard all weekend and it’s all my fault” declared Ruben. “The crash was the same as the one this morning. With the riding style I have, I came hard into the corner, braked too late and the front end just went away from me. Despite this, I have a good set-up on the bike, I did a good race pace on my long-run, and I feel confident for the races tomorrow.”


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

2003 World Superbike Championship
Round 2, Phillip Island, Australia, Saturday 29th March, Final Qualifying
Circuit: 4.450 kms, Weather: Dry, mostly sunny 23 C.

SECOND ROW FOR TROY
Troy had a slightly disappointing Superpole – by his high standards – and ended the day sixth quickest and will start tomorrow’s pair if races from the second row of the grid. After Valencia’s stunning performance when he qualified the new Foggy Petronas on the front row of the grid, expectations were high here today. The engine in Troy’s number one bike didn’t feel strong in the final untimed session, so Troy tried his number two bike for a few laps. But that felt marginally worse; so Troy had to use his number one instead. His Superpole lap time was almost a second slower then his best time in qualifying and that was enough to push him on to the second row. Series leader Neil Hodgson (Ducati) took Superpole, with a time of 1:33.030, with fellow Ducati riders Pierfrancesco Chili, David Garcia and Chris Walker alongside on the front row of the grid.

TROY – 6th, 1:34.512
I suppose expectations were a bit high – after Valencia – and this is my home track. Before the season started, nobody expected us to be so competitive so soon and now everybody is asking when we’re going to win a race! The engine in the bike I used in my Superpole lap just didn’t have the legs and I couldn’t go as fast as I had done in practice. I’d ridden it pretty much all weekend and it was the same one that’d done two races. It’s a shame, because it would’ve been good to be on the front row here at Phillip Island in front of my fans. But the whole package is working well and I’m really happy how it’s all going. The team are going to work on the mapping a bit more and make the bike a bit easier to ride, but in terms of chassis etc, it handles really well. I’ve chosen which race tyres I’m going to use and now all I need is a good start, get up with the leaders and see what I can do. Of course, I’m shooting for a podium and if all goes well, then it could happen.


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

Front row start for Walker

Chris Walker qualified on the front row of the grid after a blistering Superpole lap at Phillip Island for the second round of the Superbike World Championship. He completed the 4.445km circuit near Melbourne in a superb time of 1:34.211, only 0.118 seconds ahead of his HM Plant Ducati team-mate James Toseland. Ducati Corse’s Neil Hodgson completed a good day for the British riders by taking pole position for the second consecutive event.

Walker had qualified for Superpole in fourth position, but unlike the last round at Valencia, he kept his cool for the nerve-wrecking one-lap qualifying session. “I was really disappointed with how Superpole had gone in Spain, so I was determined to do myself justice,” said the Nottingham rider. “Thankfully everything went according to plan and I can look forward to starting on the front row of the grid.

“I’d like to thank the HM Plant Ducati team who have worked tirelessly with me all weekend to find the best race set-up for this superb circuit. I’m really getting to grips with the bike and it makes such a difference not having to come and learn these tracks like I did last year. Hopefully I’ll be able to get two of my trademark good starts and blast off the line with the leading pack – it should be excellent viewing.”

Toseland thought that he had done enough to join his team-mate on the front row of the grid for tomorrow’s two Superbike races, but there was a surprise in store. “I guess I’m a little bit disappointed not to be in the top four, but to be honest I gave it my best shot. I think we were all surprised by Garcia’s fast lap in Superpole and that was the difference between fourth and fifth for me.

“After analysing my performance on Friday, I knew which parts of the circuit I had to focus on. Thanks to my technicians I’ve been able to shave over half-a-second off my time and it’s looking good for the races. I’ve got a feeling that Chris and I may be battling for podium positions again tomorrow and I hope that we can carry on where we left off in Valencia.”

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By Glenn Le Santo

Red Hot Chili stays on top

Frankie Chili stayed on provisional pole despite a strong challenge from Neil Hodgson in the final WSB qualifying session

After finishing first qualifying fastest on Friday, Chili modestly said; “I am surprised I am fastest, it must mean other riders have even more problems than I do.” But today’s performance, which included a 1:32.786 lap around Phillip Island in cool and cloudy conditions, proved it was false modesty. The truth is he’s on top because he’s the fastest rider on the track at the moment.

Neil Hodgson, fresh from a double win at Valencia, put in a determined charge to overhaul the Italian – but couldn’t get down below 1:33 so now has to settle for second going into this afternoon’s Superpole session.

Hodgson’s Ducati Fila teammate, Ruben Xaus, was third fastest despite a low-speed spill at the Honda hairpin, just in front of HM Plant Ducati rider Chris Walker. Troy Corser lost a little ground to the Ducatis, dropping back to fifth from his fourth place on Friday.

But with Superpole still to come and the weather changeable, the front row will likely change again yet.



Provisional Combined World Superbike Qualifying Results From Phillip Island:

1. Pierfrancesco Chili, Ducati 998RS, 1:32.786
2. Neil Hodgson, Ducati 999F03, 1:33.432
3. Ruben Xaus, Ducati 999F03, 1:33.603
4. Chris Walker, Ducati 998F02, 1:33.662
5. Troy Corser, Petronas Foggy FP1, 1:33.674
6. Regis Laconi, Ducati 998RS, 1:33.941
7. James Toseland, Ducati 998F02, 1:34.027
8. David Garcia, Ducati 998RS, 1:34.051
9. Ivan Clementi, Kawasaki ZX-7RR, 1:34.108
10. Steve Martin, Ducati 998RS, 1:34.354
11. Lucio Pedercini, Ducati 998RS, 1:34.365
12. Nello Russo, Ducati 998RS, 1:34.411
13. Gregorio Lavilla, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:34.440
14. Mauro Sanchini, Kawasaki ZX-7RR, 1:34.559
15. James Haydon, Petronas Foggy FP1, 1:34.643
16. Marco Borciani, Ducati 998RS, 1:34.648
17. Juan Borja, Ducati 998RS, 1:34.760
18. Giovanni Bussei, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:34.952
19. Walter Tortoroglio, Honda RC51, 1:35.639
20. Steven Cutting, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:38.669
21. Jay Normoyle, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:38.780
22. Davide Messori, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:39.061
23. Alistar Maxwell, Honda CBR954RR, 1:39.212