"Strange results today, with an all-500 front row," said Marlboro Yamaha Team director Davide Brivio. "All the four-strokes seem to be suffering a little here, and I guess it's the same for us. Today we continued working on adjustments, trying different suspension settings and engine mappings, but the wind doesn't help and we're still not there. Max could have a good race though, he's on the second row and if the four-strokes are stronger over race distance, he'll have a chance. But it will be tough for Carlos because he's starting from the fifth row on the grid. He's still not confident with the bike, so we'll see what he can work out with his technicians this evening."

Max Biaggi, winner of last Sunday's Malaysian GP, will start tomorrow's Phillip Island GP from the second row of the grid after qualifying eighth fastest, 0.970 seconds off pole position. The Marlboro Yamaha Team man, who has had ten front-row starts this year, including three poles, needs another good result here to boost his bid for runner-up spot in the 2002 MotoGP World Championship.

"For sure the situation is not so rosy for us here," said the Italian, a close second here last year and the Island winner in 2000. "I gave my maximum today, just like I do when I fight for pole, but this time I couldn't do better than eighth. Being on the second row is a bit strange! My main problem is lack of confidence in keeping the front wheel on the tarmac, so the wind is troublesome. It's also quite cold here, but I trust Michelin for the race, their tyres are the best and the future. Also, it's strange to see four two-strokes on the front row but I think the race will be quite different."

Carlos Checa improved his speed during today's final Australian GP qualifying session, lapping the high-speed track 0.660 seconds faster than yesterday, but it wasn't enough to move him up the grid. He will start the race from the fifth row of the grid after posting 20th-quickest time. This hasn't been a normal weekend for the Marlboro Yamaha Team star who has scored six front row starts so far this year, including one pole position.

"It's a shame this isn't like go-kart racing, when they start the quickest guys from the back of the grid and the slowest guys from the front, because that way I might have a chance tomorrow!" said a philosophical Checa, extracting some humour from the situation. "My main problem is that I can't carry enough speed through the fast sections, especially the run towards Lukey Heights. I can flick into turn one, no problem, but the bike doesn't want to turn when I'm on the gas, it wants to stand up. We'll try some more things in warm-up and see what we can do in the race."

Jeremy McWilliams amazed the Australian GP paddock by scoring the first-ever pole position for King Kenny Roberts' Proton Team KR squad. Riding the slowest but lightest bike on the grid, MotoGP's oldest rider used the KR3's superior corner speed to devastating effect. "Corner speed is everything at Phillip Island," said the 38-year-old Briton. "I've been pole here before, so I knew it was possible but I never expected to go that quick."

-----   Red Bull   -----

Garry McCoy attacked the 4.448 km Phillip Island track and in what has been the highlight of his season so far, secured a front row start for his home Grand Prix.

"The Slide King" sliced almost a full second off his qualifying time from yesterday and set a scorching time of 1m32.325 just 0.406 seconds off pole, set by two-stroke rival Jeremy McWilliams.

For the first time this year, the front row consists of only two-stroke machines a factor that McCoy can't quite explain.

"Its surprised me all weekend. I thought it being a fast ­ flowing track with sweeping turns that it would suit the four-strokes. I really don't know what's happening." said the 30 year old Australian.

In 2001, McCoy started his "home" GP from the 4th row in 14th place and due to mechanical problems was unable to finish the race. He is making sure this weekend that his memory of Phillip Island is replaced by something far more positive.

Team-mate to McCoy, 19 year old American John Hopkins, found another 1.987 second improvement today from yesterday's qualifying session and lines up tomorrow on the fourth row of the grid. Hopkins who is rounding off his rookie year in the Moto GP has been impressive and consistent all season. 4 top Ten finishes under his belt so far with intentions to finish this his first Moto GP championship in the Top Ten.

Garry McCoy - 2nd - 1m32.325 - "It's my best qualifying yet this Season and I'm happy to be on the front row. The two-strokes are working pretty well here and I think it's going to be a tough race tomorrow. It will be good to see what's going to happen with all the different tyre manufactures and different machinery. I'm pretty confident with the tyres for tomorrow although we have not done a full race distance yet.  I've got a bit of a cold and I feel under the weather so I'd really like to feel "unsick."

John Hopkins - 1m33.424 - "I thought I did quite well today and I am pretty happy with it. Yesterday my fastest time was a 35.4 so I've made a big improvement today and gained about 2 seconds. The wind is so strong and it just blows you around everywhere but I've just had to adapt to the conditions and learn the new track. The track has a lovely layout and we're looking like we've got pretty good set-up for the race. I felt good out there today and I'm pretty happy all in all."

Peter Clifford - Director Of Racing - "Brilliant ride from Jeremy. Damn him.  Congratulations to the Roberts Team but I'm sure that Garry is going to make sure tomorrow does not come out the same way. On whole our team has put in a fantastic performance and its just shows that Garry and John are two of the best riders on the grid."