Final Qualification Times 125/250cc Dutch TT

There was a significant difference between the top 5 riders and the rest of the field, with almost a second difference between thos who had the track sorted and those that didn't. Once again Gino Borsoi (LAE UGT 3000 Aprilia) proved that he should be considered to be a major player in the class by nudging official works rider Lucio Cecchinello (MS Aprilia LCR) into second place. Strong candidate for the championship, Youichi Ui (L&M Derbi) was also up there with two young stars Steve Jenkner ( LAE UGT 3000 Aprilia) and Tony Elias (Telefonica Movistar Honda). Other riders you would expect to be at the front of the field, such as Ueda, Azuma and Sanna were well off the pace not even making it onto the third row of the grid.

Borsoi: I would like to thank Steve Jenkner for the slipstream. We decided to help each other because in some parts of the track Steve was fatser than me and in other places I was faster. It worked well, especially with the strong wind today. This is my first pole position, so a special thank you to Steve, Aprilia and my mechanics and I will have a strong race to pay them back. I expect there will be a big group at the front and it will be difficult to race alone here, but my bike and tires are good.

Cecchinello: Unfortunately I didn't have a team-mate like Borsoi, but I'm very happy because my bike is perfect. Both bikes are identical and this reflects the high quality of the Aprilia. It will be important to get a good start and keep un with the leading group.

Sanna (18th. time): I have done my lap time following another rider but it was not fast enough. I have some work to do to improve for the race

It was a battle between 2 riders, both Japanese and both potential world champions. For most of the session it looked like Dajiro Katoh (Telefonica Movistar Honda) would hold pole position, with a quick lap run early. As usual, there was a gang of Aprilias chipping away at his lead, but ultimately it was Tetsuya Harada (MS Aprilia), who put in a blinding lap and took the pole. Melandri and McWilliams were also both running fast times, but just could not put in that little bit extra for a grid-leading time. Roberto Rolfo (Safilo Oxydo Aprilia) was again the best of the semi-factory Aprilia boys and is looking good for a strong race tomorrow.

McWilliams: I have been running quick times all weekend and I figure I've finally worked out how to ride a 250 again. It's clicked well with the new German team that I'm with and with two of my favourite tracks ahead, I'm feeling good. Unlike the rest of the guys, I'm not too worried if it rains tomorrow!!

Katoh: Yesterday I was still learning the track and today I felt that I knew where I was going. It was not the fastest time, but I'm not too worried. I have a good set-up and I know the track so, as long as it stays dry, I should be OK.