Kawasaki's Garry McCoy produced a trademark tyre-smoking display on his way to thrill the home fans with a superb eighth in today's opening qualifying session for the Australian Grand Prix.
After turning heads with fourth fastest in the morning free practice, McCoy settled on his preferred set-up and ran both his ZX-RR machines in identical trim as he delivered Kawasaki's best ever qualifying performance to date.
However, while McCoy should have been pleased with such an impressive display, the former GP winner – who's set to leave the team at the end of the year – admitted it was something of a mixed blessing.
"I'm not sure it's a good idea to be going fast here; everyone is going to think that because I'm at my home race I'm having a go - but it's not that at all, no one believes me when I say I try just as hard no matter where the race is," stated Garry after lapping 0.3secs faster than last season's front row start on a
Red Bull Yamaha two-stroke.
"I sense Garry wants the front row again and this is not impossible," added team manager Harald Eckl.
Supporting McCoy's second row spot was a superb effort by fellow Aussie team-mate Andrew Pitt, who overcame mechanical delays to also secure his best provisional qualifying position of the season with the 12th fastest time.
Pitt lost time in both practice and qualifying with engine problems. In the afternoon the delay meant he had time for just one run on a soft qualifying tyre and he is eager to redress the balance with a trouble free run tomorrow.
"I'm really happy; it's a good feeling to be on the first page of the timing screen. I've never found the conditions here that easy, but today was a great day to be riding at Phillip Island," said Pitt, who sliced 1.3s off his best qualifying time from the circuit last year.
