Round 4 - MCE British Superbike Championship - Knockhill - Qualifying
Christian Iddon headed into qualifying day on the best foot, topping free practice three on a drying track, followed by Kiyonari and Byrne.
A number of riders went quickest for a spell during the session, Cooper being the first with the likes of Byrne, Hopkins and Laverty at one point being on top. Jake Dixon was second for a spell, a fantastic effort from the MCE BSB rookie.
As the track began to dry a number of riders went into the pits to change to slicks, with Haslam and Kiyonari able to put a fast lap in and lead the pack for a short while, however it was Iddon who was able to make the most of the drying track.
It's great to see Kiyonari back at the sharp end after a disappointing beginning to his 2016 campaign. Buchan finished fourth, followed by Irwin, Cooper, Ellison, Haslam, Dixon and O'Halloran making up the top 10.
When qualifying rolled around it was Shane 'Shakey' Byrne who bagged pole position for tomorrows race one. To say it was close, however, would be an understatement as he achieved the spot by a ridiculously slight 0.001s from O'Halloran.
It looked like it was going to be a dry session, however the heavens opened in Q1 and the grid was forced to battle for the top spot in increasingly poor conditions.
Six riders topped the times during the wet Superpole session, it was Glenn Irwin who made the best start, however Byrne nudged his fellow Ducati teammate of the top spot. His lap times improved from then on and he fired his Ducati to the first pole of the season.
O'Halloran was forced to settle for second by the narrowest of margins, with Haslam leaping up to third in the final minute of the session. Hickman finished a place behind his JG Speedfit Kawasaki teammate in fourth, followed by Irwin, Hopkins, Linfoot, Cooper and Buchan.
Iddon crashed out unhurt - he will start on the fifth row tomorrow.
25.06.2016 - Big Ed
Comment Not found