SBK: Misano World Superbike – Superpole report

After two of the most unpredictable Tissot-Superpole sessions of the season, Tom Sykes will start tomorrow’s two 21-lap races at the Misano World Circuit “Marco Simoncelli” from Pole Position. The Kawasaki rider powered to the top spot, claiming a new outright circuit best lap of 1’34.214s as well as his third front-grid start of the year.

Courtesy of his 27th career Pole, the Briton elevates himself to second all-time for the most Pole Positions taken in the series. With the current Tissot-Superpole format, this is the first time that a rider is able to claim Pole Position after making his way through Superpole 1.

Alongside Sykes on the grid tomorrow will be Leon Haslam (Aprilia Racing Team – Red Devils) and Davide Giugliano (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati Superbike Team), the front row qualifiers split by 0.228s.

Row two will see championship leader Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team), Max Biaggi (Aprilia Racing Team) and Jordi Torres (Aprilia Racing Team – Red Devils) with row 3 comprising Alex Lowes (Voltcom Crescent Suzuki), Ayrton Badovini and reigning champion Sylvain Guintoli (Pata Honda World Superbike Team).

Tenth after qualifying was Michele Pirro (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati SBK Team), he will head row 4 where he will be joined by Chaz Davies on the third of the official Ducatis entered this weekend and Matteo Baiocco (Althea Racing Ducati). Thirteenth on the grid tomorrow will be Leandro Mercado (Barni Racing); he will be joined on the fifth row by Niccolò Canepa (Althea Racing Ducati) and Michael van der Mark (Pata Honda World Superbike Team).

Source: WorldSBK