Bayliss stuns in first qualifying

Troy Bayliss stunned his WSB rivals by securing provisional pole position at Valencia whilst setting a new Superbike best lap in the process. Bayliss saved his best until last and with less than three minutes to go the Australian jumped from seventh position to secure pole and become the only man to lap in the 1m34’s.

Second position went to Spaniard Ruben Xaus who held provisional pole for the majority of the session. Xaus had an impressive test in Valencia last month and has been able to make consistent progress in getting his Ducati 999F06 set-up to his liking.

James Toseland was the first of the four cylinders onboard his Ten Kate Honda, but is looking to improve his set-up as he is finding it hard to set quick lap times going around the tight Valencia circuit.

Donington race two winner Noriyuki Haga had another good session to end the day fourth ahead of and ever improving Max Biaggi in fifth.

Former Valencia winner Troy Corser finished sixth having not benefited from the changes the team have made to the bike since Donington. Corser knows where the problem lies and is confident he will be on the pace tomorrow.