Team Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra rider Xavi Simeon just missed out on a front row grid position after final qualifying at Magny-Cours today.

The young Belgian had some problems getting his bike to change direction the way he wanted and also some problems with his shifter. Despite changing engines for the afternoon session, the problem persisted and Xavi wasn't able to move up the grid. Niccolo Canepa (Ducati) finished qualifying with pole position, ahead of Claudio Corti (Yamaha), Ayrton Badovini (MV) and Didier van Keymeulen (Yamaha).

XAVI - 5th, 1:43.028
I am disappointed not to be on the front row, but I am confident that I can still make a good result tomorrow. Because of the run down to the first turn, I think it's better to be fifth on the grid than third or fourth. Today I couldn't get the bike to change direction so easily and I also had a some problems with the shifter. But my mechanics will have a look at the bike this evening and change whatever is required to make it work better. Strangely, my rear tyres have been giving better grip after about five laps, so this is good for the race itself. My plan is to make a good start and just go all-out for the win if I can.

Final qualifying
1 Canepa (I-Ducati) 1.42.589, 2 Corti (I-Yamaha) 1.42.622, 3 Badovini (I-MV-Agusta) 1.42.640, 4 Van Keymeulen (B-Yamaha) 1.42.948, 5 Xavier Simeon (B-Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra) 1.43.028, 6 Scassa (I-MV-Agusta) 1.43.045