Airwaves Ducati rider Leon Haslam took a fantastic
pole position for the eighth round of the Bennetts British Superbike
Championship at Snetterton today. His teammate, Gregorio Lavilla, will start
from the second row of the grid in seventh position.
Leon was consistently quick across both sessions and issued a timely
reminder of his extensive skill on the Airwaves Ducati by returning to pole
position for the first time since the opening round. Gregorio improved his
performance throughout the two sessions at the Norfolk circuit, leaving him
hopeful for tomorrow's 25-lap double header.
Airwaves Ducati Team Manager, Colin Wright said: "We're delighted that Leon
has battled to pole position. He's been consistently quick all weekend and
it's just rewards for his performance. It gives him a great opportunity for
the race and we hope to challenge for a victory. Gregorio worked hard on
improving his qualifying time and I know he will pose a threat starting from
the second row".
Leon was delighted with his performance: "The base setting on the Airwaves
Ducati was very good from Knockhill and I was straight down to 1.06s flat
and built from there. The bike's working well, the team's working well and
it's terrific to start in pole position. Hopefully I can start well and
challenge for victory".
Gregorio was hopeful for the race: "My pace is good and everything feels
fine with the bike. I had a couple of problems on my flying laps with some
bikes getting in my way which is annoying and that prevented me from setting
a faster time. Second row gives me a chance to challenge the leaders so
we're hopeful for tomorrow".
The eighth round of the British Superbike Championship concludes tomorrow
with two 25-lap British Superbike races taking place at 13h15 and 15h45.
Michael Rutter: "I feel that there is a definite pattern to each round
of the championship this season. Kiyo has been setting a hot pace and
Snetterton has been no exception this weekend. I had a good run here
last year, which included the lap record, but this will be under threat
in tomorrow's races. I've still got a good lead in the points table, but
I've got to stop Kiyo's relentless run of victories if I'm to realise my
ambition of winning the championship."
Ryuichi Kiyonari: "I'm very happy with the performance of the HM Plant
Honda Racing CBR1000RR Fireblade, especially after taking a double win
at Knockhill two weeks ago. I'm hoping to repeat this at Snetterton, but
it will be difficult to beat Michael and some of the other riders over
race distance. I have to push hard with the championship in mind, while
remembering that it is important to finish every race."
Qualifying:
- 1. L. Haslam (Ducati) 1:05.403
- 2. R. Kiyonari (HM Plant Honda Racing) 1:05.435
- 3. M. Rutter (HM Plant Honda Racing 1:05.581
- 4. M. Laverty (Honda) 1:05.718
- 5. J. Haydon (Suzuki) 1:05.789
- 6. S. Plater (Honda) 1:05.817
- 7. G. Lavilla (Ducati) 1:05.940
- 8. J. Reynolds (Suzuki) 1:06.005
- 9. D. Thomas (Kawasaki) 1:06.064
- 10. K. Harris (Honda-Racing.co.uk) 1:06.175
