Motor Cycling: McWilliams a close third

The Ulsterman Jeremy McWilliams just missed out on pole position at Phillip Island, Australia, yesterday.

McWilliams guided his Team KR Proton to third place on the provisional grid ahead of the final qualifying session as the two-stroke machines caused a major surprise. McWilliams had been battling with the home favourite Garry McCoy's Red Bull Yamaha for top place throughout the session before Alex Barros restored four-stroke pride aboard the West Honda. Barros will defend provisional pole with McCoy claiming the second fastest time, a fraction clear of McWilliams.

In the 250cc class Earl Shilton-born Jason Vincent led the British challenge in 17th while Cibertel Honda team-mate Leon Haslam, from Derby, was 20th. The Welsh teenager Chaz Davies took his Meteoni Aprilia to 27th in the 125cc category.