Alex Yoong Italian GP Qualifying

Misano, Italy -- Saturday, 11th Sept 1999 -- Malaysia's Alex Yoong who had just recovered from the Spa crash two weeks ago did well to qualify ninth out of 17 starters for round 5 of the 1999 Italian F3000 Championship at Misano, Italy with a time of 1m 25.302s today.

He immediately declared that, "Its good to be racing again as the best way back from a big accident is to get into a car as soon as possible. I am pleased with being only six-tenths off the pole time but slightly disappointed with ninth on the grid. A top 6 finish to earn some points for the championship is possible tomorrow."

Alex's Monaco Motorsports team-mate Marco Apicella of Italy qualified on the front row with a second best time of 1m 24.757s while Thomas Biagi alsoof Italy grabbed pole with 1m 24.623s. Third was last round's winner Werner Lupberger of South Africa with 1m 24.815s.

"Although I still need crutches to walk, I do not feel any pain in my knee and I don't even notice it once I'm on the track. I do not see any problem with the race tomorrow." added Alex when asked about his knee injury.

The race will be held over 25 laps of the 4.2km circuit near the famous seaside resort of Misano on the east coast of Italy.