Misano WSB: Crutchlow secures provisional pole

Factory Yamaha man Cal Crutchlow set the pace in the opening qualifying session in Misano this afternoon. The 24 year old Isle of Man resident posted two laps at the end of the session which would have both been good enough for provisional pole position.

Crutchlow was pushed hard by BMW Motorrad rider Troy Corser who is clearly benefiting from his revised S1000RR which features a new rear link and altered weight distribution. Leon Haslam made a strong start to his weekend after an average test ten days ago. The 27 year old was able to set impressive lap times using a new softer compound rear Pirelli, while achieving good tyre life.

Factory Xerox Ducati rider Michel Fabrizio secured a place on the provisional front row to finish ahead of fellow Ducati rider Carlos Checa who jumped up to fifth with his last flying lap.  

Championship leader Max Biaggi completed a massive 30 laps during the session and ended with the sixth fastest time. The Aprilia man is believed to have evaluated the softer rear tyre and looks to be one of the most consistent riders in terms of race tyre lap times.

Shane Byrne finished in seventh with Leon Camier in ninth and James Toseland surviving a slow speed crash to finish tenth. Tom Sykes was 14th, but it was tough day for Hannspree Ten Kate rider Jonathan Rea down in 16th. Rea won the race at Misano 12 months ago, but at the end of day one he was 1.5 seconds off the pace and struggling with the on going problem of chatter.

1 35 C. CRUTCHLOW GBR Yamaha Sterilgarda Team Yamaha YZF R1 1’36.288
2 11 T. CORSER AUS BMW Motorrad Motorsport BMW S1000 RR 1’36.344
3 91 L. HASLAM GBR Team Suzuki Alstare Suzuki GSX-R1000 1’36.365
4 84 M. FABRIZIO ITA Ducati Xerox Team Ducati 1098R 1’36.549
5 7 C. CHECA ESP Althea Racing Ducati 1098R 1’36.761
6 3 M. BIAGGI ITA Aprilia Alitalia Racing Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1’36.793
7 67 S. BYRNE GBR Althea Racing Ducati 1098R 1’36.819
8 99 L. SCASSA ITA Supersonic Racing Team Ducati 1098R 1’36.946
9 2 L. CAMIER GBR Aprilia Alitalia Racing Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1’37.048
10 52 J. TOSELAND GBR Yamaha Sterilgarda Team Yamaha YZF R1 1’37.124
11 96 J. SMRZ CZE Team PATA B&G Racing Ducati 1098R 1’37.189
12 50 S. GUINTOLI FRA Team Suzuki Alstare Suzuki GSX-R1000 1’37.314
13 41 N. HAGA JPN Ducati Xerox Team Ducati 1098R 1’37.420
14 66 T. SYKES GBR Kawasaki Racing Team Kawasaki ZX 10R 1’37.444
15 111 R. XAUS ESP BMW Motorrad Motorsport BMW S1000 RR 1’37.461
16 65 J. REA GBR HANNspree Ten Kate Honda Honda CBR1000RR 1’37.769
17 57 L. LANZI ITA DFX Corse Ducati 1098R 1’37.947
18 76 M. NEUKIRCHNER GER HANNspree Ten Kate Honda Honda CBR1000RR 1’38.068
19 77 C. VERMEULEN AUS Kawasaki Racing Team Kawasaki ZX 10R 1’38.760
20 23 B. PARKES AUS ECHO CRS Honda Honda CBR1000RR 1’38.800
21 15 M. BAIOCCO ITA Team Pedercini Kawasaki ZX 10R 1’38.892
22 95 R. HAYDEN USA Team Pedercini Kawasaki ZX 10R 1’39.078
23 90 F. SANDI ITA Gabrielli Racing Team Aprilia RSV4 1000 F. 1’39.262