 Haslam left it late to secure the front spot |
Airwaves-Ducati rider Leon Haslam took pole for Monday's opening round of the British Superbike Championship with a late qualifying surge at Brands Hatch. HM Plant Honda's Ryuichi Kiyonari had been fastest in free practice and the first qualifying but Haslam stole in front of him in the final session.
The front four places on the grid went to different teams, with Scott Smart and Sean Emmett in third and fourth.
Defending champion John Reynolds was 12th, despite a serious leg injury.
Afterwards, Reynolds was satisfied with his day's work.
"My injured right leg isn't bothering me when I'm riding," he said.
"I was disappointed after free practice but now we've got our act together and are within striking distance of pole position with a competitive race pace."
Qualifying times for Monday:
1. Leon Haslam (Ducati) 45.784 secs
2. Ryuichi Kiyonari (Honda) 45.827
3. Scott Smart (Suzuki) 45.939
4. Seam Emmett (Yamaha) 46.010
5. Gregorio Lavilla (Ducati) 46.055
6. Michael Rutter (Honda) 46.061
7. Glen Richards (Kawasaki) 46.064
8. Karl Harris (Honda) 46.115
9. Jeremy McWilliams (Honda) 46.286
10. Gary Mason (Honda) 46.238
12. John Reynolds (Suzuki) 46.398
MMIX
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