Althea Ducati Racing’s Carlos Checa looked like he was going to secure pole position during the Superpole knockout qualifying session for the Nürburgring round of the 2010 World Superbike Championship, but Aprilia’s Max Biaggi managed to deny the Spanish privateer his second pole position of the season in the waning moments. As time was winding down, Biaggi clicked off a 1:54.595 lap that was .026 seconds under Checa’s time, and a new lap record (.637 quicker than Checa’s time from Friday). Checa settled for second, with Suzuki Alstare’s Sylvain Guintoli and HANNspree Ten Kate Honda’s Jonathan Rea filling out the front row.
Interestingly, Yamaha Sterilgarda’s James Toseland left the pitlane 10 seconds before the Superpole 3 session was greenlighted to begin, earning him a penalty that dropped him to the back of the final eight qualifiers.
Team Pedercini Kawasaki’s Roger Lee Hayden qualified for Superpole, but couldn’t get past the first session, with the privateer ending up in 18th spot.
WSBK Nürburgring Superpole qualifying results:
1. Max Biaggi (ITA) Aprilia 1:54.595
2. Carlos Checa (SPA) Ducati 1:54.621
3. Sylvain Guintoli (FRA) Suzuki 1:54.934
4. Jonathan Rea (IRL) Honda 1:55.138
5. Leon Haslam (GBR) Suzuki 1:55.161
6. Noriyuki Haga (JPN) Ducati 1:55.276
7. Tom Sykes (GBR) Kawasaki 1:55.378
8. James Toseland (GBR) Yamaha 1:54.909
9. Michel Fabrizio (ITA) Ducati 1:55.264
10. Cal Crutchlow (GBR) Yamaha 1:55.295
18. Roger Lee Hayden (USA) Kawasaki 1:57.613