Vermeulen claims pole in rainy Turkey

0 Comments | AFP, April, 2006

ISTANBUL (AFP) — Australia's Chris Vermeulen riding a Suzuki claimed pole position for Sunday's Turkish motorcycling Grand Prix, clocking a time of 2min 04.617sec around the Istanbul circuit.

Nicky Hayden of the United States took second on the grid with Sete Gibernau of Spain in third and seven-time Italian world champion Valentino Rossi back in 11th.

The qualifying session was ravaged by rain, significantly slowing the times posted by riders.

And with unpredictable weather expected on Sunday, the race itself should be an open affair for the third Moto GP of the season.

"I am very happy with my performance," said the pole sitter. "We had some problems in the first two Grand Prix and this gives some confidence back to the team."

Hayden, who...