Hopkins wins pole at Oulton Park

Added on Saturday, July 16th, 2011 by Carole Nash Editor

John Hopkins won a thrilling British Superbike pole position in the dying seconds at Oulton Park this afternoon, to displace Swan Yamaha’s Tommy Hill.

As the qualifying outing began, a number of the top names challenging for championship glory enjoyed their time at the top. However as the three sessions developed the atmosphere became more and more tense, as everyone tried their upmost to score pole position.

Hill had been a feature in all three sessions, as he fired his Swan Yamaha around the Cheshire circuit. However as the third and final session came to a close, Hopkins launched an attack that would see him score pole position as the chequered flag fell.

Commenting on his pole position, Hopkins told the official BSB website: “I really wanted pole position after topping the three free practice sessions and this has to be one of my favourite tracks now. The team have worked hard again and given me a bike that works in all conditions. I have been having so much fun this weekend and the support I have had from the fans has been great. I can’t wait until tomorrow now for the races.”

With a strong time beside his name Hill was still able to hold onto second place, as Michael Laverty took third place for tomorrow’s first race. Championship leader Shane Byrne scored fourth place to complete the front row of the grid.

Ryuichi Kiyonari will head the second row of the grid in fifth place ahead of Loris Baz in sixth. With just four positions in the top ten remaining the fight was on to see who would make their appearance. Alex Lowes featured on his MSS Colchester Kawasaki machine to take seventh place for tomorrow’s opening race, with Peter Hickman eighth. James Westmoreland and Josh Brookes took the remaining two spots in the top ten, with ninth and tenth, respectively.

Qualifying Positions, BSB, Oulton Park: