Laverty scores Silverstone pole
Added on Saturday, September 24th, 2011 by Carole Nash Editor
Laverty scores Silverstone pole
Michael Laverty scored his second British Superbike Championsip pole positions of the season this afternoon, with the second round of the title showdown taking place at Silverstone.
The fastest time in each of the three sessions gave Laverty the confidence advantage, however it was the all important fastest time in the final session that gave him pole position. Laverty will be joined on the front row of the grid by second placed man John Hopkins, the Relentless Suzuki by TAS of Josh Brookes and Michael Rutter.
As others worked their way through the field, title contender Tommy Hill found himself demoted to fifth place, as he is set to head the second row of the grid. Jon Kirkham and Martin Jessopp will join the Swan Yamaha rider on row two in sixth and seventh places, ahead of Peter Hickman and Graeme Gowland. Dan Linfoot scored the final top ten spot.
The final two title contenders Shane Byrne and Ryuichi Kiyonari found themselves struggling throughout the qualifying session. The HM Plant Honda duo were unable to make it through to the final battle for pole position, with Byrne settling in thirteenth place and Kiyonari in sixteenth position.
Qualifying Positions, BSB, Silverstone:
- Michael Laverty (Swan Yamaha) 2m:05.056s
- John Hopkins (Samsung Crescent Racing Suzuki) +0.077s
- Josh Brookes (Relentless Suzuki by TAS) +0.455s
- Michael Rutter (Rapid Solicitors-Bathams Ducati) +0.475s
- Tommy Hill (Swan Yamaha) +0.588s
- Jon Kirkham (Samsung Crescent Racing Suzuki) +1.168s
- Martin Jessopp (Rapid Solicitors-Bathams Ducati) +1.169s
- Peter Hickman (Tyco Honda) +1.305s
- Graeme Gowland (WFR Honda) +1.452s
- Dan Linfoot (Tyco Honda) +1.679s
