FIM Superbike World Championship Brno, Czech Republic July 9, 2010 Qualifying Session One Results (all on Pirelli tires): 1. Noriyuki HAGA, Japan (Ducati 1098F10), 1:59.277 2. Cal CRUTCHLOW, Great Britain (Yamaha YZF-R1), 1:59.571 3. Michel FABRIZIO, Italy (Ducati 1098F10), 1:59.730 4. Carlos CHECA, Spain (Ducati 1098R), 2:00.153 5. Max BIAGGI, Italy (Aprilia RSV4 Factory), 2:00.174 6. Ruben XAUS, Spain (BMW S1000RR), 2:00.273 7. Jakub SMRZ, Czech Republic (Aprilia RSV4 Factory), 2:00.348 8. Jonathan REA, Great Britain (Honda CBR1000RR), 2:00.442 9. James TOSELAND, Great Britain (Yamaha YZF-R1), 2:00.451 10. Luca SCASSA, Italy (Ducati 1098R), 2:00.463 11. Lorenzo LANZI, Italy (Ducati 1098R), 2:00.475 12. Troy CORSER, Australia (BMW S1000RR), 2:00.508, crash 13. Shane BYRNE, Great Britain (Ducati 1098R), 2:00.534 14. Max NEUKIRCHNER, Germany (Honda CBR1000RR), 2:00.701 15. Sylvain GUINTOLI, France (Suzuki GSX-R1000), 2:00.739 16. Leon CAMIER, Great Britain (Aprilia RSV4 Factory), 2:00.745 17. Leon HASLAM, Great Britain (Suzuki GSX-R1000), 2:01.003 18. Tom SYKES, Great Britain (Kawasaki ZX-10R), 2:01.026 19. Chris VERMEULEN, Australia (Kawasaki ZX-10R), 2:01.497 20. Broc PARKES, Australia (Honda CBR1000RR), 2:01.805 21. Matteo BAIOCCO, Italy (Kawasaki ZX-10R), 2:02.239 22. Roger HAYDEN, USA (Kawasaki ZX-10R), 2:02.684 More, from a press release issued by Xerox Ducati: DUCATI XEROX RIDERS HAGA AND FABRIZIO SNATCH PROVISIONAL POLE AND THIRD PLACE FOR SUNDAY’S RACES AT BRNO Brno (Czech Republic), Friday 9th July : elevated track temperatures did not stop the Ducati Xerox riders Noriyuki Haga and Michel Fabrizio from dominating today’s Superbike action at the Czech circuit of Brno. Japanese rider Noriyuki went straight to the top of the timesheets in first qualifying this afternoon, holding this position until the close of play to secure provisional pole ahead of Sunday’s races, three tenths of a second ahead of Yamaha’s Cal Crutchlow and half a second ahead of his team-mate Michel. In the early afternoon’s first practice both Haga and Fabrizio immediately demonstrated their potential on the Czech track, a circuit that both factory riders list among their favourites. Mid-session, Noriyuki was the first rider to duck under 2m01, recording a string of consistently fast laps with a new tyre that propelled him to the top of the timesheets in the second half of the session. In the last ten minutes Michel went out on the same tyre that Nori had used earlier and was able to improve on his team-mate’s time, recording the fastest overall lap of the session; he was the only rider to lap in under 2m.00 and concluded the session comfortably, four tenths of a second ahead of Carlos Checa; Noriyuki closed this initial session in fifth position. Two hours later on a still steaming track (58°C in temperature) first qualifying got underway with Noriyuki and Michel both setting impressive times just two laps into the session. The two Ducati Xerox riders, both very comfortable riding with the new Pirelli rear tyre (with which they obtained some strong results in the recent Imola tests), remained first and second in the classification for the first half of the session until Carlos Checa went two tenths quicker. With only five minutes of the session remaining, and on fresh tyres, both Fabrizio and Haga answered back, the Roman rider shaving six tenths of his previous best to record a 1m59.7 and the Japanese rider improving even more significantly on his time to set a 1m59.2, the fastest lap of the day. Noriyuki Haga 1m59.2 “Feeling with my bike improved this afternoon, as we took another step with regard to the suspension and that helped, as did changing the tyre pressure. We still need to improve braking in certain sections of the track, and I’m not sure about tyres yet, because although the new one seems fairly consistent, I still want to try our “usual” tyre tomorrow and see how it works in these conditions. We’ve made a good start and will try to improve further in tomorrow’s sessions.” Michel Fabrizio 1m59.7 “Everything’s going well for now and there are no real problems. The new rear tyre seems to be working well here, as it did when we tested it in Imola recently, and I was able to complete race distance on it, so that gives me confidence, though we still have the new front tyre to try tomorrow. I’m feeling fairly positive; I really like this track and hope to be able to do well tomorrow, to qualify at the front for Sunday’s races.” More, from a press release issued by BMW Motorrad Motorsport: Weather conditions: Hot, sunny. Temperature: Air: 29 – 31 °C, Track: 55 – 56 °C Number of riders participating: 22 from 13 teams Fastest lap Free Practice: Michel Fabrizio (Ducati Xerox Team) 1:59.917 min Fastest lap Qualifying Practice 1: Noriyuki Haga (Ducati Xerox Team) 1:59.277 min Programme: Shock and relief – Team BMW Motorrad experienced both during the first day of the FIM Superbike World Championship weekend in Brno. While both riders, Ruben Xaus (ESP) and Troy Corser (AUS), started the weekend well, Troy crashed heavily on his final lap of Qualifying Practice 1. Initial medical reports confirm he has no serious injuries. He was taken to the hospital in Brno for further precautionary checks. Ruben Xaus: Bike: BMW S 1000 RR Fastest lap Free Practice: 2:00.417 min (3rd ) / Fastest lap Qualifying 1: 2:00.273 min (6th) “More than anything else I hope Troy is okay, and I hope he can ride tomorrow. Apart from that, I feel quite confident. The bike is working very well. We had a successful test in Imola, and we did not change the set-up very much. Physically, I am still struggling a little bit with my injured calf, but I am a lot better than I was in Imola. I can now do more than just a couple of laps in a row. Now I need to rest to be well-prepared for tomorrow.” Troy Corser: Bike: BMW S 1000 RR Fastest lap Free Practice: 2:00.580 min (4th ) / Fastest lap Qualifying 1: 2:00.508 min (12th) Davide Tardozzi (BMW Motorrad Motorsport Team Manager): “Most important is the news that Troy is not badly injured. We all feel sorry for him, and we hope that he will be okay as soon as possible. This is the only thing we are concerned about. He was flown to Brno by the helicopter for further precautionary checks.” More, from a press release issued by Infront Motor Sports: Nitro Nori glows brightest at a scorching Brno After a period in the relative doldrums by his own incredibly high standards, Noriyuki Haga (Ducati Xerox) burst back onto top form in the first period of qualifying, setting the best time of the opening day with a 1’59.277. He was less than a second from the track best. Cal Crutchlow (Yamaha Sterilgarda) was also into the 1’59s, second overall, with leader from the free session this morning, Michel Fabrizio (Ducati Xerox), third. The Friday ‘front row’ was completed by privateer Carlos Checa (Althea Ducati). For Max Biaggi (Aprilia Alitalia) Brno is his favourite circuit, one he was fifth at today, ahead of another rider who was resurgent in qualifying, BMW Motorrad Motorsport’s Ruben Xaus. Having crashed and broken his right leg here last year, this was Ruben’s near perfect comeback ride at this 5.403km circuit. Local hero Jakub ‘Kuba’ Smrz (Pata B&G Aprilia) found himself on a new machine this weekend, and made good use of his vee-four Aprilia, seventh fastest in the first qualifying session, one place above the determined Jonathan Rea (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda). A former winner at this race, James Toseland (Yamaha Sterilgarda) was ninth, privateer Luca Scassa (Supersonic Ducati) a fine tenth. Alstare Suzuki’s talented duo of Sylvain Guintoli and Leon Haslam had a tough first day, with Sylvain 15th and Leon 17th. Top Kawasaki rider was Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team) 18th. Troy Corser (BMW Motorrad Motorsport) qualified 12th but fell near the end of the session, and suffered a bruised chest and suspected concussion, and his condition will be reviewed for tomorrow’s race. Times: 1. Haga N. (JPN) Ducati 1098R 1’59.277; 2. Crutchlow C. (GBR) Yamaha YZF R1 1’59.571; 3.Fabrizio M. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 1’59.730; 4. Checa C. (ESP) Ducati 1098R 2’00.153; 5. Biaggi M. (ITA) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 2’00.174; 6. Xaus R. (ESP) BMW S1000 RR 2’00.273; 7. Smrz J. (CZE) Aprilia RSV4 1000 F.2’00.348; 8. Rea J. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 2’00.442; 9. Toseland J. (GBR) Yamaha YZF R1 2’00.451; 10. Scassa L. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 2’00.463; etc. World Supersport Illness had forced six-times Supersport World Championship race winner Katsuaki Fujiwara to miss the previous round at Misano, but his comeback started perfectly, posting the fastest day one time in qualifying. Second was Eugene Laverty (Parkalgar Honda) while Fujiwara’s team-mate Joan Lascorz was third fastest. The top four was completed by Hannspree Ten Kate Honda rider Michele Pirro. A good day for Kawasaki riders put Fabien Foret (Lorenzini by Leoni Kawasaki) fifth, the top Triumph rider was David Salom (ParkinGO BE1 Triumph) one place back. Kenan Sofuolgu was seventh. Times: 1. Fujiwara K. (JPN) Kawasaki ZX-6R 2’02.817; 2. Laverty E. (IRL) Honda CBR600RR 2’03.718; 3. Lascorz J. (ESP) Kawasaki ZX-6R 2’03.902; 4. Pirro M. (ITA) Honda CBR600RR 2’03.999; 5. Foret F. (FRA) Kawasaki ZX-6R 2’04.144; 6. Salom D. (ESP) Triumph Daytona 675 2’04.157; 7. Sofuoglu K. (TUR) Honda CBR600RR 2’04.158; 8. Praia M. (POR) Honda CBR600RR 2’04.181; 9. Harms R. (DEN) Honda CBR600RR 2’04.308; 10. Rea G. (GBR) Honda CBR600RR 2’04.410, etc. Superstock 1000 Maxime Berger (Ten Kate Race Junior Honda) posted a 2’03.950 lap, less than a second from his own best lap set last year, to take the first day advantage in qualifying. The championship leading BMW of Ayrton Badovini (BMW Motorrad Italia) was second today, and another S1000RR was third, thanks to Sylvain Barrier (Garnier Racing BMW). Andrea Antonelli fired himself to fourth place on the first of two Lorini Hondas in the field, Lorenzo Baroni (Ducati Pata B&G) was the top Ducati rider, fifth. Times: 1. Berger M. (FRA) Honda CBR1000RR 2’03.950; 2. Badovini A. (ITA) BMW S1000 RR 2’04.245; 3. Barrier S. (FRA) BMW S1000 RR 2’04.322; 4. Antonelli A. (ITA) Honda CBR1000RR 2’04.476; 5. Baroni L. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 2’04.853; 6. La Marra E. (ITA) Honda CBR1000RR 2’05.183; 7. Magnoni M. (ITA) Honda CBR1000RR 2’05.449; 8. Bussolotti M. (ITA) Honda CBR1000RR 2’05.627; 9. Lammert D. (GER) BMW S1000 RR 2’05.786; 10. Savary M. (SUI) BMW S1000 RR 2’05.889, etc. Superstock 600 British rider Josh Elliot (Direct CCTV Racedays Kawasaki) scored an early advantage with the fastest lap of the day at Brno, 2’07.537, keeping the late charge of Berardino Lombardi (Martini Corse Yamaha) at bay. The top three riders were packed tight, with Nacho Calero Perez (Oleac Racing Yamaha) third, by only a couple of tenths from Elliot. Florian Marino (Ten Kate Race Junior Honda) was fourth fastest, Fred Karlsen (MTM Racing) completing the top five. Times: 1. Elliott J. (GBR) Kawasaki ZX-6R 2’07.537; 2. Lombardi B. (ITA) Yamaha YZF R6 2’07.699; 3. Calero Perez N. (ESP) Yamaha YZF R6 2’07.755; 4. Marino F. (FRA) Honda CBR600RR 2’07.921; 5. Karlsen F. (NOR) Yamaha YZF R6 2’08.425; 6. Le Coquen S. (FRA) Yamaha YZF R6 2’08.427; 7.Guarnoni J. (FRA) Yamaha YZF R6 2’08.623; 8. D’Annunzio F. (ITA) Yamaha YZF R6 2’08.637; 9. Major N. (FRA)Yamaha YZF R6 2’08.855; 10. Krajci T. (SVK) Yamaha YZF R6 2’08.931, etc. More, from a press release issued by Althea Racing: Brno, 9th July 2010 The first sessions of the ninth round of the World Superbike Championship got under way today at the Czech circuit of Brno. Included in the line up were the two Althea Racing riders, on board the Italian team’s Ducati 1198 machines. In the afternoon’s qualifying session, Carlos Checa stopped the clock on 2m00.153 which awarded him with provisional fourth position. A great result obtained in spite of a crash towards the middle of the session. “I lost the front, probably going over a pothole, and I couldn’t keep from falling”, said the Spanish rider, third in the overall standings. “It was a pity because I’d built up a good rhythm. When I went back on track, with the second bike and new tyres, I immediately built up good pace again. We’ve worked hard on the fork and on the general rideability, and have found a great set-up. This is the first time that I’m riding a Ducati here and I must say that, for day one, I’m pretty satisfied.” Team-mate Shane Byrne closed the session just three tenths of a second from Carlos. Riding for the team captained by Genesio Bevilacqua, the English rider gritted his teeth, despite having suffered a deep cut to his left hand during the recent Imola tests, and managed to score a promising thirteenth position with a best time of 2m00.534. “I’m not 100% but I was still able to set a time just three tenths from those on the front row”, said “Shakey”. “We have a good general set-up but we still have a lot of work to do tomorrow, in order to make the most of the different things we’ve tried today. I want to find the best possible feeling to heighten my chances of running a good race. My hand? It’s not so much the pain that’s bothering me but more the sensation of not having full control.” Genesio Bevilacqua, General Manager of Althea Racing was also satisfied, declaring, “With Carlos we made a short race simulation, with great results. We tried many components, concentrating on finding the right set-up and tomorrow morning we’ll concentrate on times. For Shane, on the other hand, this is a test of bravery. His hand is not in perfect condition but he’s a fighter and we will try to take as many points as possible with a view to the overall standings.” Tomorrow, after the second qualifying session (10:45), Superpole will begin at 15:00. On Sunday, race 1 starts at 12:00 while the second of the day’s races gets underway at 15:30. More, from a press release issued by Team Suzuki Alstare: DIFFICULT DAY FOR TEAM SUZUKI ALSTARE The first day of practice and qualifying turned out to be a difficult one for Team Suzuki Alstare riders Leon Haslam and Sylvain Guintoli. Similar problems to the ones they had on day one at Misano and a lack of grip caused Sylvain to end the day 15th fastest, with team mate Leon two places back in 17th. But, just like Misano, the track’s grip is improving as more sessions take place. Leon, Sylvain and the team have identified today’s problems and will make changes to the settings tomorrow and will hopefully be back in contention again. Noriyuki Haga (Ducati) was fastest in qualifying, with a lap of 1:59.277, with Cal Crutchlow (Yamaha) second. Michel Fabrizio (Ducati) was third quickest, with Carlos Checa (Ducati) fourth. Sylvain – 15th, 2:00.739 I love this track, so it’s disappointing to only be 15th at the end of the day. But the problem is that we couldn’t get any grip out of the track today. The morning was bad, but it did get a bit better this afternoon and I have a feeling that it is going to get better and better over the weekend. We had this problem at Misano and it was frustrating, but we did improve then and I think we’ll improve more and more tomorrow and the next day. We definitely need more side grip and hopefully we’ll get that as the track improves. The situation is not desperate, but it was pretty frustrating today. I feel that our base setting is good , so all we have to do is to make the tyres work for us. Leon – 17th, 2:01.003 It was not an easy day for us, but the bottom line is that we think we have identified what happened and know what we can do to the bike to improve it. We had a big problem with grip today and although it was better in the afternoon, if you got off line, the track still felt pretty slippery. Like Misano, I sort of think that our problems today are a combination of new tyres, some problems sorting which way to go with the anti-braking system and the lack of track grip. We’ve had a long, hard look at the telemetry and we know what we’re going to do with the bike tomorrow, so that’s a good and positive way to end the day. More, from a press release issued by Hannspree Ten Kate Honda: Jonathan Rea set the eighth fastest time in today’s opening qualifying session at Brno in the Czech Republic this afternoon in preparation for the two ninth round World Superbike championship races which take place on Sunday. Rea lapped the 5.403km circuit with a best time of 2m00.442s putting the 23-year-old just three tenths from a provisional front row start. Noriyuki Haga set the fastest time, with Rea’s Hannspree Ten Kate Honda team-mate, Max Neukirchner, 14th quickest today. After a disappointing set of results last time out at Misano in Italy, a test at Imola last week improved Rea’s connection with his Honda CBR1000RR and the Northern Irishman was 11th fastest in today’s opening free practice session at Brno. His crew made several positive improvements to his chassis settings today, while improving the throttle connection and allowing Rea to improve both his time and provisional grid position in this a fternoon’s first qualifier. Neukirchner improved his own free practice lap time by almost two seconds this afternoon, despite track temperatures increasing to 58°C. The German and his crew have worked on clutch settings today and on improving the bike’s turning. Jonathan Rea P8 I think today has been just about the most positive day since”¦, well, I’m not sure I can remember! We made a lot of progress during today’s two sessions when I’ve been coming in with a fairly clear head and given good feedback to the guys who have worked really well in improving the bike. We normally only make progress like this after a session or during the evening! We started this morning’s practice with a few teething issues and we’ve just made a series of good improvements right through the day, to the point where we have a pretty good base with which to start tomorrow. We’ll fo cus on getting a good Superpole package together and then worry about the races when they come on Sunday. I’ve really enjoyed riding today Brno is a good, flowing circuit and I felt pretty controlled and smooth all day, and didn’t even have to push really hard for the times. Max Neukirchner P14 We’ve done a lot of work today but I concentrated more on the clutch and I tried two different solutions to compare. I think we’ve found the one that works best to minimise the bike backing into the corners. The other problem we’ve had today is trying to get the bike to turn faster. Because it’s slow, it means that I’m always later getting back on the throttle and that is costing me time. We’ll check the data to see which is the best solution but my feeling is that the front probably needs to come down a little. The chatter is much less of a problem here compared to Misano o r even at the Imola test. That is probably the nature of the Brno circuit which is much more flowing, so I hope we can continue to improve in the morning. More, from a press release issued by Yamaha: Yamaha riders get to grips with Brno in first qualifying Yamaha Sterilgarda World Superbike riders Cal Crutchlow and James Toseland ended the first qualifying session at Brno today satisfied with a good base set up. Despite suffering earlier in the day with a severe lack of grip on the track, the afternoon’s qualifying saw both improve their times as they fine tuned the set up. Starting qualifying with a set up that didn’t suit the track so well, Crutchlow spent some time in the session waiting in the pit while it was changed. Despite the lack of track time he came out in the dying minutes to take second fastest on the board, less than three tenths off the lead. Team mate James Toseland was also looking comfortable in the session despite suffering from a chest infection. The first 20 minutes saw Toseland lapping comfortably and consistently inside the top four, only dropping to ninth towards the end and finishing just three tenths off fourth. Cal Crutchlow, Yamaha Sterilgarda World Superbike Team (2nd, 1’59.571) “it wasn’t too bad today considering we all struggled for grip at the start of the sessions, it came a bit better later on. From my point of view we’ve got a lot of work to do chassis set up wise. We tried the set up we had in Imola but it didn’t work here, so we didn’t get many laps in the qualifying session as we were changing the bike. We’ve gone back to our old base set up and it seems to be working better here. We’re struggling for side grip a bit but the lap times towards the end of the fifteen laps I did weren’t so bad. We’ll see for tomorrow, and I hope Troy Corser is ok and back with us tomorrow.” James Toseland, Yamaha Sterilgarda World Superbike Team (9th, 2’00.451) “I’m not feeling very well at the moment, I’ve got a chest infection so it’s been a tough day today. Consistency wise I think we’re there and I’m quite pleased with the way the bike has been round the track today. I like the circuit a lot and we seem to be working pretty well. I just hope I’m feeling a bit better tomorrow.” Massimo Meregalli, Yamaha Sterilgarda World Superbike Team “for the first day it was ok today. Pirelli bought some new tyres that we tested in Imola to run here as well. For sure the bike set up for both riders is pretty much there now so the main job we have is to find the right race tyre for both James and Cal. We also need to fix some small details as both riders have some things they want to improve. Overall we are quite satisfied.” More, from a press release issued by Troy Corser’s publicist: HIGHSIDE PUTS TROY IN HOSPITAL. After a successful morning session which saw Troy end fourth fastest, things were going well in today’s first qualifying this afternoon until the closing stages. LATEST NEWS! Troy has been checked up and fortunately has not suffered any serious injuries. He has been released, but may stay in hospital overnight just to make sure everything is in order. At the moment, no decision has been made as to whether or not Troy will ride tomorrow or Sunday, but the good news is that he has told the hospital staff that he’s hungry and wants some food! More, from a press release issued by Alitalia Aprilia: On the first day of practice at the Brno track work is mostly done on the set-up of the Factory RSV4. Max Biaggi ends in fifth and says that he is confident for the qualifications tomorrow. Brno, 9 July 2010 – With two first places to defend, the Aprilia Alitalia Racing Team worked hard on the first day of practice at Brno. A great desire to do well for the ranking leader, Max Biaggi, and a new track for team mate Leon Camier demand maximum effort in determining the set-ups. The RSV4 Factory which Max and Leon ride on the track has evolved quite a bit compared to last year, when it was Biaggi who rode the Aprilia Superbike to the top step of the podium for the first time. 2’00.174 is the best time for Corsair, Max Biaggi, while Leon Camier ended the first day with 2’00.745. Max has clear ideas: “Compared to last year the bike is more edgy, it has quicker reactions, so on a track which is ridden like this one is, we’ll have some trouble coming out of the turns strong. We need to perfect the set-up we’ve been using for a lot of recent races, working above all on the balancing of the RSV4 in order to better manage the grip and long distance. The tyres aren’t a problem, I’ve tried different ones in order to judge the bike’s reactions well. I like to race at Brno, we have identified the points we need to work on, so tomorrow we’ll see if our intuitions are correct”. This morning we started with a new tyre which didn’t give me any feeling the words of Leon Camier – just at the most important moment for me, when went for the first time on a track I had never ridden on before. Things got gradually better, the track is very wide and the difference can be made by setting up the trajectories well in the guided sections. The gaps from third place on are really minimal, it won’t take much at all to close in on the best times. We need to work above all on the setting for the slower turns and we need to interpret the track well. I’m certain we can do well”. More, from a press release issued by Team PATA/B&G Racing: Day one of round nine, held in the Czech Republic, was crucial for the PATA B&G Racing team to get to grips with the new bike, an Aprilia RSV4. The switch was announced earlier this week, but it only happened today. The rider did as many laps as possible during the two practice sessions in order to get a good feeling with the bike. Smrz finished only two tenths from a slot in the front row. However, the result was a good starting point as tomorrow he will try to put in another good performance. Lorenzo Baroni confirmed the good form displayed lately finishing fifth. The Italian hopes to repeat the performance and ride a good race. JAKUB SMRZ | Aprilia RSV4 | 7th in 2’00.348: “It was a positive day, but there is still a lot of work to be done in order to get a better feeling with the bike. The machine is completely different from the Ducati 1198, but I don’t think it’s going to be very hard to adapt. However, we have to improve, especially I have to get comfortable with the new bike, because it’s not easy to learn it in only a couple of hours”. LORENZO BARONI | Ducati 1098R | 5th in 2’04.853: “We did a good job and I was very fast on this track, where I’ve never really been at ease. There still is a section where I can improve and so I will be focusing on setting a faster time tomorrow”. MIRCO GUANDALINI: “Today was like the first day of school, everything was new, but Jakub was a very good student and learned most of the bike’s behaviour. He posted a very good time and I’m sure we will get closer to the front runners tomorrow”. More, from a press release issued by Team Pedercini: Wet track and hot weather condition today in Brno for team Pedercini Superbike riders. Matteo Baiocco and Roger Lee Hayden are still hoping for good results and they are eager to show their full potential. During morning free practice Hayden (2’03″820) spent the full session to get better acquainted with the track reaching the twenty first position while Baiocco (2’03″890) followed his teammate in twenty second place. In qualifying session Hayden (2’02″684) improved his best lap time but due to his poor physical condition (inner ear infection) he obtained the twenty-second position. Teammate Baiocco (2’02″239) was also able to improve his lap time for more than one second, reaching the twenty-first place. Superbike free practice : 1) Fabrizio (Ducati) 2) Checa (Ducati) – 3) Xaus (BMW) 4) Corser (BMW) – 5) Haga (Ducati) “¦.. 21) Hayden (Kawasaki) – 22) Baiocco (Kawasaki) Superbike qualifying 1 : 1) Crutchlow (Yamaha) 2) Corser (BMW) 3) Haslam (Suzuki) – 4) Fabrizio (Ducati) 5) Checa (Ducati) .. 21) Baiocco (Kawasaki) 22) Hayden (Kawasaki) Roger Lee Hayden :”Today it was pretty difficult for me because I’m suffering an inner ear infection and this conditioned my balance and my concentration. Near the end of the qualifying I tried to push hard to obtained a good lap time but it’s really difficult to ride in these physical conditions. I’m experiencing a lot of pain now, but hopefully tonight I’ll be able to rest and feel better tomorrow”. Matteo Baiocco :”This morning I started to work hard with my team to find the right way to reach the best set up for my Kawasaki., I’m not that disappointed about my best lap time but I know I can do somewhat better. Tomorrow morning I want to push hard starting from the beginning of the practices. I think we still have a bit of work to do to find the best bike balance, but we are not that far from obtaining the best motorcycle setting that will help me lower my best lap time and enter the Superpole”.