ITALY’S Max Biaggi endured a painful start to the world 500cc championship season in Friday’s first qualifying session for the South African Grand Prix. Biaggi, winner of last year’s race at the Phakisa Freeway circuit, was clearly feeling the effects of a recent groin injury as he finished ninth fastest in one minute 38.584 seconds. The Yamaha rider was given a pain relief injection shortly before the practice session after injuring his groin in a fall in Valencia, Spain, last month. “I felt fine for the first 15 or 20 minutes but from then on I was very aware of the pain and it was impossible to ride the way I like to ride,” said Biaggi. “But I’m confident for the weekend despite the pain.” Spain’s Sete Gibernau was fastest on his Honda in 1:37.707.