Hopkins: I rode like a sissy!

"I made a big mistake coming onto my last lap and that cost me a few tenths. I lost the rear really bad and I rode like a sissy just after it happened!" smiled Hopper. "We could have had the front row, but now the plan is to get a good start and make sure we are in contention straight away!"

Team-mate Chris Vermeulen lost the rear of his GSV-R even more spectacularly in this morning's final free practice session - when the Australian high-sided through the fast Craner Curves section. Fortunately he escaped with minor bruising, but could only qualify 12th in the afternoon after also making a mistake.

"My last qualifying lap was looking good, but I made a mistake in the Melbourne Loop and ran wide. It's not perfect starting from the fourth row, but if I can get a good start and push hard throughout the race I know I can be competitive," said the Le Mans winner, one to watch again should it rain on Sunday. "I lost a bit of time this morning due to a crash down Craner Curves. I'm still a bit stiff and sore from that. The guys did a great job rebuilding my bike in the short time between sessions - even some of John's crew helped so I am thankful to them for that."

"I think we will be in good shape over the 30 laps tomorrow whether it is wet or dry," declared team manager Paul Denning.