Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Fujiwara tops Supersport qualifying in Japan

By Glenn Le Santo

Japanese rider Katsuaki Fujiwara is in provisional pole position after first timed qualifying in Sugo on Friday.

Alstare Suzuki’s Fujiwara waited until late in the rain-soaked session to blast in front of wild-card rider Ryuichi Kiyonari, who is riding this weekend for BKM Honda and had dominated the session until the final minutes. Fujiwara’s last lap, at 1:44.832, was enough to demote Kiyonari to second on the timesheet.

The wet conditions brought some unfamiliar names to the top of the timesheet, with third-fastest Jorg Teuchert sharing the provisional front row with Thierry VD Bosch.

Chris Vermeulen, race winner in Australia, struggled in the wet conditions, finishing 14th quickest. Soon after the session, low clouds descended on the circuit, delaying the Superbike qualifying session, possibly indefinitely!

World Supersport Championship
Round Three, Sugo
25-26-27 April 2003

First Timed Qualifying
Fastest Times

1. K. Fujiwara, JPN, Suzuki, 1:44.832
2. R. Kiyonari, JPN, Honda, 1:44.900
3. J. Teuchert, GER, Yamaha, 1:46.734
4. T. VD Bosch, FRA, Yamaha, 1:46.949
5. S. Chambon, FRA, Suzuki, 1:47.152
6. B. Parkes, AUS, Honda, 1:47.569
7. C. Cogan, FRA, Honda, 1:47.773
8. T. Kayo, JPN, Yamaha, 1:47.831
9. I. MacPherson, Honda, 1:47.902
10. P. Riba, Kawasaki, 1:47.958