Loris Capirossi set a new circuit record to clinch pole position for the MotoGP Japanese Grand Prix. The Ducati rider was last year’s pole sitter and winner and seemed determined to repeat that feat again this year.
With ten minutes of the session remaining the Italian set out on a blistering lap. He was obviously pushing hard as he exited the final corner in a burst for the line that he struggled to keep both wheels on the ground. But that didn't stop him from setting a lap time of 1:45.724, a time which allowed him to put his feet up for the remainder of the session as it never looked like it would be beaten.
Capirossi said "I'm really happy with the way the bike is working. I am really quick. The fourth split in particular I like a lot."
"But I think tomorrow will be different. I am optimistic. I did a good job today and the bike is really stable so we will just have to see."
With only three races left in this 2006 season and with the championship still undecided it was an important qualifying session for the main contenders. And, as always, it was the seven times World Champion who pulled it out of the bag when it mattered.
Despite spending much of the session in and out of the pits working on the bike's setup, Valentino Rossi still managed to join his countryman on the front row.
As the flag dropped for the end of the session Rossi was lying in fifth but was out on a hot lap. And it really was hot as Rossi went faster than he had all session to go second.
The Yamaha rider said, "I'm happy with the front row. We had a lot of problems last year with the bike but this year it's all going well. I'm happy with my lap but it'll be a difficult race tomorrow. I'm happy I'll be starting from the front row."
Current championship leader Nicky Hayden wasn't having as much luck. The American, who signed a new two year deal with Repsol Honda last night, was not at all happy as he only managed a fastest lap time of 1:46.489, placing him on the third row in seventh.
A disappointed Hayden said "It's been a struggle all week. I don't think it's just the bike - I haven't been perfect. I made a few mistakes in qualifying, my lap felt bad and I was a bit scared to see what the time was going to be. Third row isn't perfect but tomorrow is race day so we'll just have to see how that goes."
Dani Pedrosa, who currently lies joint third in the standings with Marco Melandri, continued to struggle with his knee injury finishing the session in ninth having never really looked capable of posting a pole position time. Melandri, who was victorious in Australia a week ago, continued his good run of form. He'll line up on the outside of row one after qualifying in third.
But he wasn't really happy with that, "I don't understand why qualifying wasn't better, but we'll look at what happened and see how it goes."
"It's a good time for me and it's been a good week ... It should be a good race too."
Nicky Hayden has a twenty one point lead over Rossi who undoubtedly wants to add to his mantelpiece with a sixth title.
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