World SuperSport 2002 - Round 10 - Oschersleben - Qualifying 2

Chris Vermeulen will be in the thick of the action at tonight’s 10th round of the World Supersport Championship in Germany after qualifying 5th fastest on his Van Zon CBR600 Honda.

The 20 year old will launch himself from the second row of the grid after a thrilling final session. Just .3 of a second separates the top 5 riders and 1second splits the top 16.

“This race is without doubt the biggest physical test of the year. The race is more than 100km long, it will be won from lap 20 on. Whoever is the fittest and can work hard for the full 28 laps will be on the podium,” Vermeulen said.

“Pole would have been nice, the front row would have been nice, but I know from the second row I’m going to be with the leaders and that’s what is needed here at Oschersleben. The first few turns are tight and twisty.”

Vermeulen is the quickest Australian after two rounds of qualifying. He goes into the race running 7th in the championship.

“The set up feels good, in today’s warm up I was 2nd quickest and I did that on a race tyre. I strung quiet a few laps together, so I think for the race we are going to be on the money. But gee it’s hard work racing here. Tonight is going to be a real test,” the Queenslander added.

Katsuaki Fujiwara starts from pole position winning a battle with Honda’s Fabien Foret to head the grid for the 28 lap race.