Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Team Caracchi NCR Nortel Network’s Regis Laconi led the first World Superbike practice at Laguna Seca Friday morning, with a 1:26.429 on his Dunlop-equipped Ducati 998RS.

Ducati Fila’s Ruben Xaus crashed in turn 10 with three minutes remaining in the session. Xaus was reported as being “OK.”

AMA regulars/World Superbike wild cards Mat Mladin, Aaron Yates and Eric Bostrom sat out the one-hour practice per special rules set up for the Laguna Seca. According to the AMA teams, the wild card riders will not be allowed to participate in World Superbike practice sessions and can only ride in World Superbike qualifying sessions. If the wild cards qualify for Superpole, they will be allowed to participate in the short, pre-Superpole qualifying session Saturday afternoon.

Although he is considered a World Superbike regular, Ducati Austin’s Giovanni Bussei was not allowed to participate in World Superbike practice because he is practicing in the AMA Superbike sessions.

The start of the World Superbike practice session was delayed 30 minutes due to fog and reduced visibility.

Friday Morning World Superbike Practice Times:

1. Regis Laconi, Ducati 998RS, 1:26.429
2. Pierfrancesco Chili, Ducati 998RS, 1:26.679
3. James Toseland, Ducati 998F02, 1:26.807
4. Neil Hodgson, Ducati 999F03, 1:26.855
5. Chris Walker, Ducati 998F02, 1:26.963
6. Ruben Xaus, Ducati 999F03, 1:27.360
7. Steve Martin, Ducati 998RS, 1:27.578
8. Gregorio Lavilla, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:27.771
9. Lucio Pederchini, Ducati 998Rs, 1:27.917
10. Troy Corser, Foggy Petronas FP1, 1:28.270
11. Mauro Sanchini, Kawasaki ZX-7RR, 1:28.474
12. Juan Borja, Ducati 998RS, 1:28.768
13. Ivan Clementi, Kawasaki ZX-7RR, 1:28.836
14. Maurco Borciani, Ducati 998Rs, 1:28.842
15. David Garcia, Ducati 998RS, 1:29.142
16. James Haydon, Foggy Petronas FP1, 1:30.423
17. Walter Tortoroglio, Honda RC51, 1:31.281
18. Jiri Mrkyvka, Ducati 998RS, 1:31.650
19. Lucio Pedercini, Ducati 998RS, 1:32.230