Rookie Xaus sets pace with record
LOSAIL, Qatar -- Spanish rookie Ruben Xaus claimed provisional pole at the inaugural Qatar Grand Prix, the 13th round of the 16-race world motorcycling championship series, in Losail.
Xaus, who moved from World Superbikes last year, rode his Ducati to a new lap record of 2:01.309 ahead of Honda pair Colin Edwards, at 0.308sec, and Sete Gibernau, 0.573.
World champion Valentino Rossi was sixth fastest behind Honda rider Max Biaggi, his Yamaha crossing the line 1.965 off the pace.
The Italian is looking to consolidate his MotoGP lead on the brand new Losail International Circuit on the outskirts of Doha this weekend.
After missing out on his seventh win of the season to Makoto Tamada at Motegi last week, a victory would give Rossi another chance to equal Eddie Lawson and Wayne Rainey's record of wins in a season by a Yamaha rider.
Rossi has chalked up six wins and four pole positions in 12 Grands Prix this season and is confident of bouncing back from his second place in Japan.
Carlos Checa made it three Spaniards in the top four on a day of hot racing with track temperatures hitting 50 degrees celsius.
American Suzuki rider Kenny Roberts withdrew injured.
