Bayliss on Australian pole

Troy Bayliss put in an impressive Superpole lap to secure pole position for Sunday’s two WSB races. Bayliss set a new lap record in this mornings second qualifying session and although he couldn’t match that time due to high winds during Superpole, he still posted a lap good enough for pole.

James Toseland made it a close run thing finishing just 5/100th of a second behind Bayliss to take second. Although the 26 year old Brit didn’t top the time sheets he goes in to tomorrow’s races in confident mood as he remains the man to beat on race tyres. In the one hour long Free Practice session before Superpole Toseland completed a 15 lap run including three 1m32s laps with the remainder in low 1m 35’s an achievement un matched by his rivals.

With tyre wear set to play a crucial role in the races, Toseland and his Ten Kate team look well placed for a successful race day. One factor that could change the outcome is the weather with rain forecast on race day.

Superpole supreme Troy Corser was unable to match his Qatar pole position after a big gust of wind nearly caused him to crash on the approach to turn one. Corser recovered to set the third fastest time and will go into tomorrow’s race in high spirits after an encouraging long run during Free Practice.

Nori Haga rounded out the front row but has already predicted a tough race revealing that he has been unable to find a race tyre that will last more than ten laps, potentially a big problem as the race is 22 laps.

Max Biaggi has had a quiet weekend so far after his sensational debut last weekend in Qatar. The Italian has been unable to match the pace of the leaders and will start the two races from fifth spot where he’ll be looking to make a good start and avoid getting tangled up with Nieto, Neukirchner and Xaus who he shares the second row with.

Aussie Karl Muggeridge remains a question mark for tomorrow’s races after suffering a high speed crash at the Hayshed when he lost control on oil dropped by his team-mate Josh Brookes. Muggeridge was initially unconscious and taken to local hospital suffering from a painful left ankle, but at this stage it is unclear if it is broken or not.