That was rendered a moot point next time around, however, as Corser's ‘bad start' was adjudged to have been a jump start, as were those of four others - Fabrizio, Smrz, Laconi and
Roberto Rolfo - who were all penalised. It seemed a little harsh in Corser's case as he had dabbed the brake as everyone got away – hence the need for a fightback - but the rules are there and he had to come in for a ride through.
The penalty proved to be irrelevant though, as Corser lost concentration and dropped the Yamaha on the very next lap. He lost the front end going into Siberia, possibly after getting a little close to Bayliss, sliding into the gravel trap and out of the race.
That left Bayliss comfortably leading from Nieto, who was bubbling along nicely, and Xaus, who now had Checa and Biaggi for company. The Roman was soon past his ex-Yamaha 500cc team-mate and surging up to Nieto, setting the fastest lap in the process.
Just as it appeared that he might be the closest thing to a challenger for Bayliss, however, disaster struck again for Biaggi, as the Italian had a gigantic accident going into the 120mph turn one.
He had drafted up to the Suzuki of Nieto on the start straight but, as he approached the braking point, realised that he was going far too fast to stay in line behind the Spaniard. Pulling to the right, the Sterilgarda Ducati locked up its front wheel, leaving a black line on the track, while Biaggi was powerless to stop himself from losing control.
Nieto was no doubt none the wiser, but is sure to be thankful later as he came within a whisker of being taken out of the race by the airborne Ducati. Biaggi trudged away holding his wrist and no doubt hurting just as much from a ‘nil points' weekend.
Bayliss, meanwhile, continued on his way, from the lucky Nieto and Xaus, with Checa now fourth and Rolfo in fifth until he came in for his ride-through.
Checa was soon into third, forcing up the inside of Xaus, waving apologetically to his countryman as he did so, before getting the hammer down to try and catch Nieto.
