Phillip Island

[f1manoz]

Finally the MotoGP circus is visiting Australia and the fans finally get to hear the roar of the new prototype Hondas, Yamahas, Suzukis and Aprilias.

First day highlights:

Alex Barros snatches provisional pole at the end of the session, but on home soil Garry McCoy gave the fans something to cheer about putting his two-stroke Yamaha in second place. Valentino Rossi once again struggled with set-up on his Honda.

In the 250s Elias has kept his excellent run of form going, taking provisional pole easily from Marco Melandri. Aprilia are really proving their dominance of the 250cc series, with the first non-Aprilia rider in 6th.

The 125s were also interesting as nearly-man Steve Jenkner put his bike in first position, followed by Poggiali and de Angelis, who looks to have returned to form after a recent spell of poor performances. Arnaud Vincent wound up on 21st, and way off the pace.

[Airhead]

McCoy was unbelievable - on a 2 stroke - at the Island, a known horsepower circuit - I only hope it holds to Saturday Practice.

If Garry is in the top 10 (tomorrow) - he is brilliant!

[CleanTone]

"at the Island, a known horsepower circuit "For how long the V5s use their full capacity?Very little time

[gomick]

what about andrew pitt 15th fastest and only 1.4 seconds of the pace.....

[mac]

Originally posted by CleanTone
"at the Island, a known horsepower circuit "For how long the V5s use their full capacity?Very little time

All the way down the front straight, all the way from Southern Loop to Honda Hairpin, and down the back straight from Siberia to Lukie Heights.

Well done Andrew Pitt and Garry McCoy. Pitt is only going to improve on that green monster.

[275 GTB-4]

You have to "tips ya lid" to the Ulsterman, man he wrestled that squirming, licorice framed thing around and was rewarded with a pole. The leathers, helmet and paint job are also a credit to the team - looking good Jeremy.

Hang on for another great race in Australia.

[f1manoz]

Can you believe the front-row for the MotoGP? Talk about a turn-up for the record books. McWilliams was just sensational, and the 500cc machines proved that while they are mostly outclassed if the riders are up to it they can still do the job.

[asha]

it thought it was amazing!

I'd love to see a 2 stroke win before the season is out!

[Airhead]

Great racing - particularly in the 250's.

Barros and Rossi on the GP bikes really turned it on. Notice that McCoy after rejoining with a new rear tyre then stayed with the leaders (all be it a lap down) for lap after lap. Here is a guy after a ride in 2003.

[steve nielsen]

Good job by Jurgen!!(give the man a 4 stroke!!)

[f1manoz]

The 125s were their usual sensational best, and the championship will once again go to the final round as Poggiali won his first round since Catalunya, and now lies only 8 points behind Vincent.

Melandri and Nieto provided a nail-biting fight to the flag, swapping the lead 4 times on the last lap in what has to go down as the best lap lap since... Motegi!

Rossi and Barros dominated on their RC211V machines, but the fight was tense but only Barros outbraking himself assured Rossi of victory.

[mac]

Melandri and Nieto was just about as good as Bayliss and Edwards. That last lap was sensational - particularly over the back when Melandri went down the inside at the Hayshed, only for Nieto to go around the outside into Lukie Heights, only for Melandri to duck down the inside again at MG corner, and then for the race to be decided by 0.007 seconds was incredible.

[f1manoz]

Not a bad way to wrap up a championship!