Valentino Rossi qualified fastest for the South African 500cc Grand Prix Saturday, marginally ahead of Loris Capirossi, both on NSR500 Hondas.

Top times follow:

1. Valentino Rossi, Honda, 1:34.629
2. Loris Capirossi, Honda, 1:34.872
3. Shinya Nakano, Yamaha, 1:35.216
4. Garry McCoy, Yamaha, 1:35.434
5. Kenny Roberts, Suzuki, 1:35.476
6. Tohru Ukawa, Honda, 1:35.537
7. Norick Abe, Yamaha, 1:35.692
8. Max Biaggi, Yamaha, 1:36.554