Motorcycling: Biaggi makes it look so easy

MAX BIAGGI made the move up to motorcycling's premier class look easy with a pole-to-finish victory in the 500cc at the Japan Grand Prix at Suzuka yesterday.

The Italin, riding a Honda, set a record for the circuit in securing pole position and was well ahead of the field in winning the championship- opening event.

The 26-year-old Biaggi finished more than five seconds ahead of Tadayuki Okada, also on a Honda, who took second place by squeezing past the Yamaha rider, Noriyuki Haga, on the final lap.

The world champion, Michael Doohan, dropped out after six laps, the Australian being forced to retire because of problems caused to his Honda when he went off the track early in the race.

Biaggi, who won four successive 250cc championships before moving up to the premier class this season, gave every impression of being able to challenge Doohan for his world title.

"For me, [in] the first race in my life in the 500 with only one month's training, this is unbelievable," Biaggi said.