Will there be a late charge of the red brigade? Hopefully so because looking at today's time sheets from Imola it is quite apparent that-at least for the time being-Edwards and Honda have Bayliss and Ducati covered. He's nearly a second faster than Ruben Xaus, over a second faster than Troy Bayliss.

And there's more--there is much muttering that Edwards in fact went faster in the test here last week than what was released by the team.

L & M Ducati rider Ben Bostrom crashed today in qualifying, bruising his left hand and right foot. Bostrom was highsided from the Ducati in the final corner and sat out the final ten minutes of the session. Other crashers include Neil Hodgson.

There are lots of Americans here at Imola. Including AMA Roadrace Manager Ron Barrick, racer Mike Hale, and a great many people from the town of Conroe, Texas. Hale is here chatting with World Supersport teams about 2003.

Weather for the event looks to be suitable for the entire weekend with no threat of rain.