Rossi's run extended

Valentino Rossi took provisional pole position in the first qualifying session for tomorrow's 500c German motorcycling Grand Prix.

Valentino Rossi took provisional pole position in the first qualifying session for tomorrow's 500c German motorcycling Grand Prix.

The Italian Honda rider, who took his first 500cc win at a thrilling British Grand Prix two weeks ago at Donington Park, set a best lap time of 1min 23.539sec around the twisty Sachsenring circuit yesterday.

Rossi was 0.211sec faster than the world championship leader, Kenny Roberts, on a Suzuki. Brazil's Alex Barros was third fastest.

Spain's Carlos Checa, Roberts' nearest rival in the championship, could only manage the 10th-fastest time on his Yamaha.

Roberts claimed pole position and won the race at Sachsenring last year. Rossi, then competing in the 250cc category, did the same.