No one ventured on track until halfway through the session and as the track gradually started to dry the lead changed numerous times, finally settling with Xerox Ducati's Lorenzo Lanzi.

With just two minutes to run Lanzi took the lead from Noriyuki Haga who had also put in a late assault. Lanzi's Ducati team-mate, Troy Bayliss secured second place and also lead the mixed up session briefly.

Despite his best efforts, title contender Haga ended up in third place while his Yamaha team-mate Troy Corser grabbed fifth place. Corser had a lead early on but that was actually taken from him by Jakob Smrz who had a brief time in the number one spot.

Completing the provisional front row of the grid was Fonsi Nieto on the PSG-1 Kawasaki. Nieto is hoping for a well placed result for his team this weekend as it is his last time riding for the Kawasaki squad. He is rumoured to be picking up a berth at the Alstare Corona Extra Suzuki team but that is yet to be confirmed.

Ruben Xaus on the Sterilgarda Ducati completed qualifying in sixth place ahead of championship leader James Toseland. The Hannspree Ten Kate Honda rider, 29 points ahead of Max Biaggi and 33 clear of Haga, set the pace during free practice in dry conditions this morning, his time from that session is yet to be bettered although Lanzi was just 0.244secs off it in qualifying.

French rider, Regis Laconi on the second PSG-1 machine was in eighth place for his home round. Karl Muggeridge on the Alto Evolution Honda was in ninth and Michel Fabrizio on the DFX Treme Honda completed the top ten following his second place finish during free practice.

Biaggi was just 14th fastest.


WSBK qualifying results (1) – Magny-Cours:

1. Lorenzo Lanzi
2. Troy Bayliss
3. Noriyuki Haga
4. Fonsi Nieto
5. Troy Corser
6. Ruben Xaus
7. James Toseland
8. Regis Laconi
9. Karl Muggeridge
10. Michel Fabrizio