Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By Glenn Le Santo

Neil Hodgson waited until the final minute of qualifying to snatch provisional pole in front of Frankie Chili and Regis Laconi.

The clouds cleared enough to allow some sunshine to dry out the track surface after heavy overnight rain. The surface wasn’t completely dry as there were still some damp patches, principally where water was draining across the track.

In the closing moments of the session a battle for pole developed between Chili, Hodgson, Laconi and Atsushi Watanabe, with all four sharing a spell at the top. But with the clock already down to zero, it was Hodgson who got the best of the battle with his final lap with a lap at 1:30.708. Chili, who crossed the line after Hodgson, managed to secure provisional second on the grid.

Despite the improved conditions there was a spate of crashes during the session; the worst involved David Garcia who ran wide in a turn, got his wheels on the grass and crashed heavily. Garcia dislocated his right wrist and suffered deep cuts and bruising to his shoulder, left elbow and his right knee. He will not race this weekend as a result of these injuries.

There were 10 crashes in total, two more than in the terrible conditions on Friday. Troy Corser crashed twice and his teammate James Haydon once. Japanese Star Hitoyasu Izutsu also crashed, spoiling his challenge for a provisional front row position. Chris Walker, who had been a contender for provisional front row place suffered severe abrasion to the 4th and 5th toes on his left foot. At the time of posting this article no announcement had been made on whether he would or wouldn’t appear in Superpole, or Sunday’s race.

World Superbike Championship
Round Three, Sugo, Japan
25-26-27 April 2003-04-25

Saturday Qualifying, best lap times:

1. N. Hodgson, GBR, Ducati, 1:30.708
2. P. Chili, ITA, Ducati, 1:30.863
3. R. Laconi, FRA, Ducati, 1:31.192
4. A. Watanabe, JPN, Suzuki, 1:31.351
5. G. Lavilla, ESP, Suzuki, 1:31.446
6. L. Pedercini, ITA, Ducati, 1:31.607
7. C. Walker, GBR, Ducati, 1:31.971
8. J. Toseland, GBR, Ducati, 1:31.994
9. H. Izutsu, JPN, Honda, 1:32.027
10. R. Xaus, ESP, Ducati, 1:32.413