It has been a while since Carlos Checa has seen the top of the time sheets. Checa won during the first round of the World Superbike season, but hasn't seen the top of the podium since then. Checa clearly marked his intention of capturing another race win today, as he finished at the top of the pack during the first qualifying session at Nurburgring.But Checa wasn't the only Ducati rider to have a good day. There were four Ducati bikes that finished inside the top five. Ducati announced this week that they would not be returning to the World Superbike next year. The Ducati riders seem intent to change their minds.
Troy Corser finished second on his BMW, followed by Michel Fabrizio, Shayne Byrne, and Noriyuki Haga.
Season leader Max Biaggi only managed a 6th place finish after setting the pace at Nurburgring during the free practice session. Biaggi is still well ahead of his biggest title contender, Leon Haslam, who finished 11th for the day.
World Superbike - Nurburgring - First Qualifying Session
1. Carlos Checa ESP Althea Ducati 1198R 1m 55.232s
2. Troy Corser AUS BMW Motorrad S1000RR 1m 55.447s
3. Michel Fabrizio ITA Ducati Xerox 1198R 1m 55.753s
4. Shane Byrne GBR Althea Ducati 1198R 1m 55.998s
5. Noriyuki Haga JPN Ducati Xerox 1198R 1m 56.024s
6. Max Biaggi ITA Aprilia Alitalia Racing RSV-4 1m 56.077s
7. Cal Crutchlow GBR Yamaha Sterilgarda YZF-R1 1m 56.169s
8. Jonathan Rea GBR Ten Kate Honda CBR1000RR 1m 56.253s
9. Jakub Smrz CZE PATA B&G Racing Aprilia RSV-4 1m 56.34s
10. Tom Sykes GBR Kawasaki SRT ZX-10R 1m 56.436s
