WSB - Ducati Xerox 5th and 10th on Grid at Magny-Cours - October 8th 2005

James Toseland produced a good lap in Superpole qualifying for the final round of the World Superbike Championship at Magny-Cours to finish fifth on the starting-grid for tomorrow's two races. The 2004 world champion was on the front row for much of the session after qualifying thirteenth but was then edged off by Lorenzo Lanzi (Ducati SC Caracchi) at the last moment.

"That wasn't too bad, all things considered" said Toseland. "I got edged off the front row by Lorenzo. It wasn't a perfect lap by any means, but the 39.8 was sensational by Chris. I'm a bit disappointed not to be on the front row, but from fifth, with the way the weekend's been going, with the changes we've been making, I've got a chance of a good result for sure. We managed to sort most of the problems out, just one problem with the rear setting that needs to be seen to, but I'm quietly confident for tomorrow. I can get away with the leaders from fifth on the grid and hang in there at the front".

Régis Laconi was again in difficulty from his right arm and was unable to make much headway on the second Ducati Xerox 999. The Frenchman, sixteenth after the regular two sessions, ended the day in tenth position but was not optimistic about tomorrow's two races.

"That was a real surprise" declared Laconi. "Clearly with my arm I am just unable to ride and it'll be like that for the race. With all the changes in direction and heavy braking I can't ride the way I like. I can't brake well because my arm is hurting and I haven't got any power in my arm. In this condition I can't do any good races because after a couple of laps I'm in difficulty. I can't do much about that".

Starting-Grid:

1. 1. Vermeulen (Honda) 1m39.386s
2. 2. Lanzi (Ducati SC Caracchi) 1m40.349s
3. 3. Haga (Yamaha) 1m40.510s
4. 4. Muggeridge (Honda) 1m40.536s
5. 5. Toseland (Ducati Xerox) 1m40.981s
6. 6. Neukirchner (Honda) 1m41.043s
7. 7. Kagayama (Suzuki) 1m41.112s
8. 8. Pitt (Yamaha) 1m41.241s
9. 9. Walker (Kawasaki) 1m41.264s
10. 10. Laconi (Ducati Xerox) 1m41.398s