Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By Glenn Le Santo

Red Hot Chili stays on top

Frankie Chili stayed on provisional pole despite a strong challenge from Neil Hodgson in the final WSB qualifying session

After finishing first qualifying fastest on Friday, Chili modestly said; “I am surprised I am fastest, it must mean other riders have even more problems than I do.” But today’s performance, which included a 1:32.786 lap around Phillip Island in cool and cloudy conditions, proved it was false modesty. The truth is he’s on top because he’s the fastest rider on the track at the moment.

Neil Hodgson, fresh from a double win at Valencia, put in a determined charge to overhaul the Italian – but couldn’t get down below 1:33 so now has to settle for second going into this afternoon’s Superpole session.

Hodgson’s Ducati Fila teammate, Ruben Xaus, was third fastest despite a low-speed spill at the Honda hairpin, just in front of HM Plant Ducati rider Chris Walker. Troy Corser lost a little ground to the Ducatis, dropping back to fifth from his fourth place on Friday.

But with Superpole still to come and the weather changeable, the front row will likely change again yet.



Provisional Combined World Superbike Qualifying Results From Phillip Island:

1. Pierfrancesco Chili, Ducati 998RS, 1:32.786
2. Neil Hodgson, Ducati 999F03, 1:33.432
3. Ruben Xaus, Ducati 999F03, 1:33.603
4. Chris Walker, Ducati 998F02, 1:33.662
5. Troy Corser, Petronas Foggy FP1, 1:33.674
6. Regis Laconi, Ducati 998RS, 1:33.941
7. James Toseland, Ducati 998F02, 1:34.027
8. David Garcia, Ducati 998RS, 1:34.051
9. Ivan Clementi, Kawasaki ZX-7RR, 1:34.108
10. Steve Martin, Ducati 998RS, 1:34.354
11. Lucio Pedercini, Ducati 998RS, 1:34.365
12. Nello Russo, Ducati 998RS, 1:34.411
13. Gregorio Lavilla, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:34.440
14. Mauro Sanchini, Kawasaki ZX-7RR, 1:34.559
15. James Haydon, Petronas Foggy FP1, 1:34.643
16. Marco Borciani, Ducati 998RS, 1:34.648
17. Juan Borja, Ducati 998RS, 1:34.760
18. Giovanni Bussei, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:34.952
19. Walter Tortoroglio, Honda RC51, 1:35.639
20. Steven Cutting, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:38.669
21. Jay Normoyle, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:38.780
22. Davide Messori, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:39.061
23. Alistar Maxwell, Honda CBR954RR, 1:39.212