Sete Gibernau qualifies in fifth spot despite fever

Colin Edwards set provisional pole position for the French Grand Prix, his first in the MotoGP World Championship. Enjoying perfect track conditions, the Telefónica MoviStar Honda MotoGP rider stopped the clock at 1’33”870, a spectacular lap time which smashed Valentino Rossi’s previous pole record of 1’35”208 by 1.4 seconds.

Sete Gibernau, suffering from a cold and a sore throat, concentrated on the set-up of his Honda RC211V in the first half of the session and tried to set a fast lap before ending the session early complaining of feverish conditions.

COLIN EDWARDS

(1st. 1’33”870): “During the two days of tests at Jerez we worked a lot on the set-up of the bike. It was important for me to find the limit of the bike and solve the chattering problems we’ve had. On the second day we tested some qualifying tyres and I was finally able to find the limit of the RC211V. I felt comfortable today - I still don’t know the track too well but I got a good feeling for it and for the bike and the tyres. I think my time can come down a bit tomorrow because I was able to set that rhythm pretty easily today”.

SETE GIBERNAU

(5th-1’34”288):  “I arrived in Le Mans not in the best condition physically and today I didn’t feel too good. Despite a sore throat and a temperature I went out on track to set the bike up and to get a good time in so I had a solid grid position. I’m happy with the feeling of the bike, and I hope to be better tomorrow, and above all for Sunday and the race.”

FAUSTO GRESINI

(Team Manager): “Today was a positive day; we’re really very happy with Colin’s provisional pole. In the first two races he couldn’t show what he’s capable of and at last today in Le Mans, he did so. Although Sete rode at a good pace, we hope that tomorrow he’s feeling a bit better and that he can get to the race in perfect physical condition. The two test days in Jerez have proved decisive in getting the setting right on the bike in the dry.”

LAP TIMES

1. Colin Edwards (Honda) 1’33”870
2. Nicky Hayden (Honda) 1’33”966
3. Carlos Checa (Yamaha) 1’34”207

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