British Superbikes: Mondello Park pole for Jonathan Rae

Jonathan Rae has secured pole for HM Plant Honda at Mondello Park in Ireland, leaving it until very nearly the end of the final qualifying session.

The Honda rider posted a lap of 1:46.776 to put himself first on the grid for round six of the British Superbike championship. And a crash by Shane Byrne saw the red flags brought out a minute later, with just two minutes left in the session. Although several riders went back out on track for the final two minutes, only Tom Sykes gained by moving up to eighth from tenth.

Second on the grid for Mondello Park will be HM Plant Honda’s other star, Ryuichi Kiyonari, less than a tenth of a second behind pole. Leon Haslam qualified in third, with the Hydrex Honda of Karl Harris in fourth.

Fifth position was claimed by Cal Crutchlow for Rizla Suzuki, followed by Shane Byne on the Stobart Honda, Leon Camier, Tom Sykes, Chris Walker on the second Rizla SUzuki and Tommy Hill on the Virgin Yamaha. Gregorio Lavilla still appears to be suffering after a crash on Friday as he qualified in 12th place.

British Superbike Mondello Park Grid Positions:

1. Jonathan Rea.

2. Ryuichi Kiyonari.

3. Leon Haslam.

4. Karl Harris.

5. Cal Crutchlow.

6. Shane Byrne.

7. Leon Camier.

8. Tom Sykes.

9. Chris Walker.

10. Tommy Hill