Frenchman Lucas de Carolis held off a late charge by ‘wild card’ Fabrizio Pirovano to take pole position for tomorrow’s second round of the 2008 Suzuki GSX-R Cup at Monza. Despite it being his first time at the circuit, twenty-one year old De Carolis took to it almost straightaway. Behind Pirovano in third place is Spaniard Arturo Tizon, with Italian Simone Saltarelli fourth.
Lucas de Carolis - 1st, 1:53.051I am really happy to be the fastest rider today and take pole position, especially in front of Pirovano. Towards the end of qualifying, I could feel his presence on my rear end, but I was determined not to let him get past. I braked later then usual and managed to stay in front of him and that made me very happy.
This is my first time at Monza and when I first saw it, I thought ‘wow’, what an amazing circuit. We have nothing like this in France and it’s fantastic to be able to race here. Apart from learning the track, I’ve had no problems here. I’m enjoying the Suzuki Cup atmosphere and the chance to race in front of so many fans at a World Superbike weekend.
