Spaniard Ismael Ortega once again dominated a GSX-R Cup practice – this time at Misano. Ortega controlled today’s qualifying, held in scorchingly hot conditions, and even managed to keep ahead of ‘wild card’ Fabrizio Pirovano – one of the most experienced riders of World Superbike and Supersport. Ismael Ortega – 1st, 1:43,427 I am very, very happy to be on provisional pole and delighted to be ahead of Pirovano. But he’s an old fox and nobody knows just what he may do on raceday, so we’ll all be watching out for him. I had some problems with my front and rear suspension today, so we’ll work on improving that tomorrow. The track is very bumpy, more than last year, but it’s just something we have to get used to – just like the heat! If all goes well tomorrow, I think I can be on pole for the race on Sunday. Free Practice Results (all on Suzuki GSX-R750s with Pirelli tires): 1. Ismael ORTEGA (ESP), 1:43.427 2. S. SALTARELLI (ITA), 1:43.698 3. Fabrizio PIROVANO (ITA), 1:43.729 4. L. DE CAROLIS (FRA), 1:43.962 5. A. TIZON (ESP), 1:43.984 6. R. RESCH (AUT), 1:44.021 7. E. JONCHIERE (FRA), 1:44.506 8. V. VITIELLO (ITA), 1:44.967 9. T. GIESELER (GER), 1:45.096 10. Robertino PIETRI (VEN), 1:45.654