BSB Round 2: Qualifying Report

Josh Brookes (PBM BeWiser Ducati) powered his way to pole position this afternoon with a blistering lap time of 1’34”084.

The Australian has looked imperious so far this weekend aboard the all new Panigale V4R machine, consistently averaging lap times half a second quicker than anyone else whether track conditions be dry or wet.

Having suffered terrible fortune last time out at Silverstone, when engine trouble forced him to retire in both races, pole position today is the perfect response so far. Tomorrow’s races is when it counts but there is no doubt, with his pace, that Brookes starts as the clear favourite to take the spoils.

Behind the pole sitter, Tommy Bridewell (Oxford Ducati) and Peter Hickman (Smiths Racing BMW) secured their places on the front row. Hickman looked particularly impressive through technical high speed sections on the second half of the lap, flicking through the corners with ease on the S1000RR. Both men know they have a serious job to do tomorrow to keep Brookes honest.

Row two of the grid will be headed by Jason O’Halloran (McAMS Yamaha). Having quietly gone about practice on Friday testing a variety of settings, the 31-year old turned up the pace this afternoon as he looks to restart his season after the troubles at Silverstone. Christian Iddon (Tyco BMW) and Danny Buchan (FS-3 Kawasaki) will take their places alongside O’Halloran. Buchan may well feel disappointed with P6, having been the closest challenger to Brookes throughout the first two sessions of qualifying.

Scott Redding (PBM BeWiser Ducati) secured P7. The former MotoGP man, competing for the first time in over 10 years at the circuit, will be delighted with his efforts so far this weekend. Just 1 second off his teammate’s pace, Redding will start race 1 tomorrow knowing he has a very good chance of picking up a strong result. Alongside him, Keith Farmer (Tyco BMW) and Ryan Vickers (RAF Regular and Reserves Kawasaki) round out the third row after producing brilliant final runs in the dying minutes of Q2 to guarantee themselves their first ever BSB top 9 grid positions.

There were three riders who will have to fight their way through the pack, and be at the mercy of any opening lap shenanigans, tomorrow. Josh Elliott (OMG Racing Suzuki) and Taz MacKenzie (McAMS Yamaha) – both race winners last time out – will have to battle from the fourth row, whilst Buildbase Suzuki’s Brad Ray endured another difficult qualifying day and will have to start from row five, P14. Expect fierce racing from all three as soon as the start lights go out.

Monday Race Schedule

Race 1 – 13.30

Race 2 – 16.30