Bayliss and his Xerox Ducati had an interesting session with a run across the gravel early on followed by a crash. Once he put this behind him he settled into the number one spot and remained there until Corser decided to oust him.

Knocking on the door as ever was Noriyuki Haga, team-mate to Corser, who is in third place on the provisional front row of the grid. Haga is always a force to be reckoned with no matter where he starts from but a front row start here could be very beneficial. The Vallelunga track is like Donington Park in the UK, the first part is very fast and flowing whereas the latter half is stop start or as some riders have referred to it, “Mickey Mouse.”

Completing the provisional front row of the grid is local rider Max Biaggi. There is still a lot of interest in where he will be placed next year, so far he hasn't re-signed for the Alstare Corona Extra Suzuki team.

Heading the provisional second row of the grid is Britain's James Toseland who just needs to finish nine points clear of Haga to take his second World title. Lining up next to him is his team-mate Roberto Rolfo who has been on fast form so far this weekend and has been running at a similar pace to his World Champ team-mate.

Michel Fabrizio continued his top ten placing with a seventh place qualifying on the DFX Treme Honda. The only Kawasaki to make it into the top ten was that of Regis Laconi, he is planning on staying with the green team for next year as he continues with their machine development.

Shinichi Nakatomi on the Yamaha France machine made a welcome return to the top ten securing ninth place. The final place in the top ten belonged to Ruben Xaus who crashed his Sterilgarda Ducati late in the session.

WSBK qualifying times (1) – Vallelunga:

1. Troy Corser
2. Troy Bayliss
3. Noriyuki Haga
4. Max Biaggi
5. James Toseland
6. Roberto Rolfo
7. Michel Fabrizio
8. Regis Laconi
9. Shinichi Nakatomi
10. Ruben Xaus