Shortly after Mc
Williams trimmed a tenth from his best qualifying effort of the weekend, but by now Melandri was also on a quick effort and cut the deficit to Katoh to 0.113secs, whilst also preventing the Ulsterman from moving to third.
8mins remaining and Katoh had returned to the track for another attempt at cutting Harada's advantage, but he would fall over 0.7secs adrift on his first effort and immediately pulled back into the pits for a new rear tyre.
Into the last three minutes and Melandri, who had looked like the quickest Aprilia in the second session, popped up into second to put further pressure on Katoh and his Gresini-Honda squad.
Katoh responded with a stunning last gasp effort that saw the #74 star pick up his pace throughout the lap to finish 0.132secs inside Harada's pole. However, while Katoh was wheeling with celebration Harada was out on his last lap - and amazingly stole pole back by just 0.024secs setting the scene for a thrilling duel on the two championship contenders home ground.
Full times to follow…
1. Harada
2. Katoh +0.024secs
3. Melandri +0.326secs
4. McWilliams +0.775secs
5. Alzamora +1.045secs
6. Nieto +1.369secs
7. de Puniet +1.603secs
8. Rolfo +1.712secs
