Bryne on pole with new lap record
Added on Sunday, April 24th, 2011 by Carole Nash Editor
Bryne on pole with new lap record
Superbike veteran Shane Byrne won the battle for pole position for the first round of the British Superbike season this afternoon, also obliterating the lap record in the process.
The lap record for the Brands Hathc Indy circuit layour had stood for four years, however there is now a new record on display, courtesy of Byrne and his HM Plant Honda machine. Byrne’s teammate, Ryuichi Kiyonari, had set a fastest time of 45.192 seconds, however with moments of the final session to go, Byrne roared through to set an even quicker time. He eventually secured pole position, and the new lap record, with a time of 45.112 seconds.
Kiyonari still managed to hold onto second place, giving the reigning champion team a one-two start to the season. Third place was awarded to Michael Laverty, with his Swan Yamaha teammate Tommy Hill alongside in fourth.
Loris Baz enjoyed a strong showing on his Motorpoint Yamaha machine, after securing the fifth fastest time, with Michael Rutter and Jon Kirkham within touching distance in sixth and seventh places. Eighth place went the way of Tommy Bridewell, whilst James Westmoreland and Stuart Easton complete the top ten on the grid.
Regular front runner, and former HM Plant Honda rider, Josh Brookes struggled to get passed the second qualifying session, only managing to set the thirteenth quickest time for the first race tomorrow.
With a mixed up grid Easter Monday is set to showcase a classic season opener for the BSB Championship, with everyone keen to surprise on their new machinery.
Qualifying Positions, BSB, Brands Hatch:
1. Shane Byrne GBR HM Plant Honda CBR1000RR 45.112s
2. Ryuichi Kiyonari JPN HM Plant Honda CBR1000RR 45.192s
3. Michael Laverty GBR Swan Yamaha YZF-R1 45.280s
4. Tommy Hill GBR Swan Yamaha YZF-R1 45.324s
5. Loris Baz FRA Motorpoint Yamaha YZF-R1 45.520s
6. Michael Rutter GBR Rapid-Bathams Ducati 1098R 45.606s
7. Jon Kirkham GBR Samsung Crescent Suzuki GSX-R1000 45.627s
8. Tommy Bridewell GBR Tyco Honda CBR1000RR 45.815s
9. James Westmoreland GBR Motorpoint Yamaha YZF-R1 45.892s
10. Stuart Easton GBR MSS Colchester Kawasaki ZX-10R 46.059s
11. John Hopkins USA Samsung Crescent Suzuki GSX-R1000 45.739s
12. Dan Linfoot GBR Sorrymate.com SMT Honda CBR1000RR 45.745s
13. Josh Brookes AUS Relentless Suzuki GSX-R1000 45.813s
14. Martin Jessopp GBR Rapid-Bathams Ducati 1098R 45.838s
15. Chris Walker GBR Pr1mo Kawasaki ZX-10R 45.880s
16. Gary Mason GBR MSS Colchester Kawasaki ZX-10R 45.920s
17. Graeme Gowland GBR WFR Honda CBR1000RR 46.969s (E)
18. Glen Richards AUS WFR Honda CBR1000RR 46.092s (E)
19. John Laverty GBR Buildbase BMW S1000RR 46.179s
20. Peter Hickman GBR Tyco Honda CBR1000RR 46.187s
21. Alex Lowes GBR WFR Honda CBR1000RR 46.255s (E)
22. Steve Brogan GBR Jentin Honda CBR1000RR 46.345s
23. James Hillier GBR Bournemouth Kawasaki ZX-10R 46.353s (E)
24. Craig Fitzpatrick GBR Close Print Honda CBR1000RR 46.394s (E)
25. Simon Andrews GBR PR Kawasaki ZX-10R 46.443s (E)
26. Ian Lowry GBR Buildbase BMW S1000RR 46.504s
27. Guy Martin GBR Relentless Suzuki GSX-R1000 46.579s
28. Barry Burrell GBR Buildbase BMW S1000RR 46.712s (E)
29. Hudson Kennaugh RSA Splitlath Aprilia RSV-4 46.726s
30. Patric Muff SUI Tyco Honda CBR1000RR 46.761s (E)
31. Aaron Zanotti GBR Quattro Plant Spike BMW S1000RR 46.799s (E)
32. Scott Smart GBR Moto Rapido Ducati 1098R 47.059s (E)
33. Tom Tunstall GBR Doodson Honda CBR1000RR 47.951s (E)
34. Matteo Mossa ITA 777R Suzuki GSX-R1000 48.578s (E)
