Misano, 1 September: In a thrilling and competitive qualifying session, Honda LCR rider Carlos Checa set the seventh fastest time for tomorrow’s San Marino e Rimini DI Riviera Grand Prix. After overcoming problem with a faulty speed sensor, Checa put in an impressive flying lap on his final qualifying run to finish just 0.2s off the front row.

Qualifying was held in sunny and warm conditions, a dramatic contrast to yesterday’s torrential rain which forced afternoon practice to be cancelled. Today’s free practice was extended to two hours, with Checa finding top form on the 4.1 km circuit, his Honda RC212V fourth fastest on race tyres. Tomorrow’s race is over 28 laps with Casey Stoner starting from on pole position.

CHECA: Seventh - 1’34.628

CHECA: “Overall I’m happy considering the problem on my first qualifying tyre when I had no engine braking or traction control because of a faulty front wheel speed sensor. The rear wheel was just locking-up on the brakes. It’s a pity because on my second qualifying run I finished only 0.2s off the front row. In the morning we did a lot of good work on the set-up with race tyres and I’m happy with the lap times even though the track is very bumpy in some areas. But now there is no time left so we will see what happens tomorrow, it will be an interesting race this track.”

For the 250cc Grand Prix a confident Eugene Laverty is aiming to score championship points after qualifying in 18th position for the 26 lap race.

LAVERTY: “I like the track even though it is a bit bumpy and there are some good places on the brakes for overtaking, so I’m hoping to score some points. In the rain yesterday things didn’t go well, but today I found a good chassis balance and feeling for the track.”