Brazilian GP - McWilliams celebrates season best

Ulsterman Jeremy McWilliams enjoyed his best performance of the season as the Proton KR rider finished third in final qualifying for today’s Brazilian GP in Rio de Janiero.

McWilliams finished on the front row of the grid as Italian Max Biaggi took his Marlboro Yamaha to the fastest time ahead of defending champion and fellow countryman Valentino Rossi on the Repsol Honda.

Frenchman Randy de Puniet topped the 250cc class times with Cibertel Honda team-mates Jason Vincent and Leon Haslam in 16th and 17th respectively.

San Marino’s Manuel Poggiali took his Gilera to pole in the 125cc class as Britain’s Chaz Davies took his Matteoni Aprilia to 28th.

McWilliams said: “I’ve given myself a tremendous opportunity and all I need is to make sure I get off the line quickly.

“That was good fun and it was a matter of getting the opportunity and the right tyre.”