CARL Fogarty has issued a defiant battle cry ahead of tomorrow's eighth round of the World Superbikes Championship at the A-1 Ring in Austria.

The two-time world champion from Blackburn bounced back after a crash on a paddock bike in the opening qualifying to set the fourth fastest time.

He said: "It was a silly accuident and I was lucky to get away with bruises."

Akira Yanagawa rocketed to provisional pole position as rain stopped the one-hour session with 10 minutes to go.

But Foggy rubbished suggestions that bitter rival John Kocinski, third fastest yesterday, could be gaining the upper hand in the title race.

The American lies four points ahead of Fogarty and is likely to be awarded three more after Niall MacKenzie failed a fuel test at Brands Hatch.

But Fogarty rapped: "I won't lie down without a fight. Kocinski won't get anything easy from me.

"He says a lot of stupid things. But he's American, what can I say?

"I mean to produce two good rides tomorrow and get back on top in the world championship race."

Kocinski said: "The morning's free practice was cut short halfway through because of rain.

"And I thought we were gong to get the full hour in the dry this afternoon but it wasn't to be."

The Castrol Honda rider added: "It's not a great problem for me. The forecast is for good weather for the rest of the weekend so we'll have plenty of time today to get the bike dialled in.

"Yesterday was just about getting the motor right for the track."

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