Qatar WSB: Ben Spies dialled into Qatar circuit

Ben Spies continued to push the pace at the front of WSB by setting provisional pole position during the opening qualifying session at Qatar.

The Yamaha World Superbike rider has acquainted himself rapidly to the Qatar circuit and his speed first time out has come as a major shock to his rivals.

Speaking to MCN, Spies said: “This track really reminds me of Miller in Salt Lake City. It seems like a really good circuit and the day went well.

“I actually found it easier to learn than Phillip Island, maybe because it’s so flat and I picked it up pretty quickly.

“I’d heard the horror stories about the track being dirty and the lack of grip off line, but for me it really hasn’t been that bad. I’m trying to stay on line anyway!”

The American rider has also shown good consistency after completing a short race run this afternoon.