WSS Qatar: Cluzel denies van der Mark at the flag for pole

French MV Agusta rider Jules Cluzel has denied the new World Supersport champion Michael van der Mark of the championship’s inaugural floodlit race, aiding from a tow on the Losail circuit’s long straights to take the P1 spot off the Dutchman at the flag.

Van der Mark led the session until the very last minute, continuing his fast yet consistent pace, lapping with teammate Lorenzo Zanetti to leave the two Pata Honda bikes on the front row of the race, with the Italian taking third.

Thai rider Ratthapark Wilairot was a surprise fourth, ahead of Dubliner Jack Kennedy on the CIA Insurance PTR Honda, despite crashing out at the end of the forty-five minute session. French Supersport champion and wildcard Lucas Mahias was sixth.

Scottish rider Kev Coghlan, teammate to the Frenchman in sixth, led the third row, just squeezing out former triple world champion Kenan Sofuoglu and Robbie Rolfo, while Roberto Tambunini completed the top ten.