Yamaha Sterigarda’s Cal Crutchlow sits on provisional pole position for his home round in Friday’s first World Superbike qualifying session at Silverstone after turning in a scorching lap with about 20 minutes to go that none of his competitors could approach. The former World Supersport champion’s time of 2:05.664 was nearly four-tenths of a second quicker than the next trio of rider who were very closely grouped together. Hannspree Ten Kate Honda’s Jonathan Rea was second, but only by .046 seconds over a resurgent Troy Corser on the BMW. Corser was himself closely followed by Aprilia Alitalia’s Leon Camier, who trailed by only .012 seconds. Crutchlow’s teammate James Toseland filled out the top five, only .174 seconds behind Camier.
Final qualifying and Superpole knockout qualifying sessions begin tomorrow.
World Superbike Silverstone UK Friday provisional qualifying results:
1. Cal Crutchlow (GBR) Yamaha 2:05.664
2. Jonathan Rea (IRL) Honda 2:06.006
3. Troy Corser (AUS) BMW 2:06.052
4. Leon Camier (GBR) Aprilia 2:06.064
5. James Toseland (GBR) Yamaha 2:06.238
6. Michel Fabrizio (ITA) Ducati 2:06.287
7. Max Biaggi (ITA) Aprilia 2:06.315
8. Leon Haslam (GBR) Suzuki 2:06.464
9. Carlos Checa (SPA) Ducati 2:06.475
10. Tom Sykes (GBR) Kawasaki 2:06.596