Assen: Alstare Engineering Saturday report

BATTERED AND BRUISED MAX.

Team Alstare Engineering Corona Extra rider Max Neukirchner was a sore from yesterday's crash and, in qualifying this morning, he was unable to force his way into the 16-rider Superpole shoot-out. But despite qualifying only 23rd, he is continuing his learning process at a pace and looking forward to improvement in tomorrow's two 22-lap races. Team Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra rider Troy Corser took Superpole in superb fashion, with team mate Yukio Kagayama also on the front row after setting the third quickest time. Noriyuki Haga (Yamaha) was second fastest, with Troy Bayliss (Ducati) fourth.

MAX - 23rd, 1:41.617
I was a second faster today then yesterday, which makes me happy, but I felt tired and sore today and just couldn't push as hard as I wanted to. My neck feels very stiff, so riding the bike is hard after a number of laps. The first few turns are particularly hard for me and it's only when I get on to the old section that I begin to feel a bit more comfortable. But this is my first race weekend and I am learning as fast as I can. I'm learning the Alstare Engineering bike and I'm learning how to work with a brand new team. I really would like a couple of good finishes tomorrow and hope to be able to get into the points.

-credit: ae