Two-time world champion Bayliss, who recently said he hadn't given up on winning the title again despite being 48 points behind leader James Toseland, pushed his Ducati to a quickest lap of 1’36.479 just edging Corser by 0.045 seconds.

Yukio Kagayama found some form after several indifferent performances in recent races to finish with the third quickest lap going round in a time of 1:36.803, while Ducati's Ruben Xaus will look to continue his rise up the rankings after a stunning win in Valencia the Spaniard finishing fourth fastest.

After a crash in the morning session, Noriyuki Haga recovered well to post an excellent time of 1:37.453 on his Yamaha.

Current championship leader Toesland was well down the list, managing just the seventh fastest time with a fastest lap of 1:37.522.

Italians Fabrizio, Laconi and Lanzi finished the qualifying session in 8th, 9th and 10th respectively.

Results from the first qualifying session of the San Marino MotoGP:
1. T Bayliss 1:36.479
2. T Corser 1:36.524
3. Y Kagayama 1:36.803
4. R Xaus 1:36.879
5. N Haga 1:37.453
6. F Nieto 1:37.512
7. J Toseland 1:37.522
8. M Fabrizio 1:37.594
9. R Laconi 1:37.645
10. L Lanzi 1:37.692

Sportal