MotoGP 2002 - Round 2 - Welkom - Qualifying 2

GARRY McCOY - 5th 1.35.378 - "I don't think my right leg is going to give me any problems in the race because I'm feeling a lot stronger. I still think it will be at Jerez in two weeks when I'm fully fit and I'm just going to try and get some points tomorrow. The bike was feeling good today. I got behind Max Biaggi for a couple of laps and got a good chance to compare Yamaha's two and four-stroke bikes. At this track, I don't think Max was making any ground on me which is encouraging. The grip level was much better today and that's why I found two seconds. I spent most of yesterday as well just checking tyres. I didn't use a qualifier for my quick lap but it was a soft race tyre although it isn't an option because it won't last the distance. It looks like Dunlop have got a good option for me in the race but we'll make a decision after the morning warm-up."

JOHN HOPKINS 17th 1.36.092 - "I'm really happy with the progress we've made. I went a second faster than yesterday and am only 1.4s behind Valentino Rossi on pole so that shows how things are improving. I'm still learning but the improvements definitely came from me just being more confident and familiar with the track. We didn't actually make any changes to the bike from yesterday because I was so happy with the set-up we'd found. I was helped today by the fact there was a lot more grip available and hopefully it will be even better tomorrow. I'm not going to make any changes overnight for the race. I'm really happy with the engine, suspension and the tyres and hopefully I'll be able to run with some of the guys in front of me tomorrow. I did actually follow a group of guys today and that really helps because they can help you improve. You can see what lines they are using and where they are braking to help yourself go faster."