 Rutter was challenged strongly by Australian Dean Thomas |
Michael Rutter shattered the lap record as he took pole for Monday's fourth round of the British Superbike Championship at Oulton Park. The HM Plant Honda rider sliced three quarters of a second off the old record with a lap of one minute 36.436.
"Pole is great but equally importantly, I know that the bike is well set for the races," said Rutter.
Rutter's championship rival and team-mate Ryuichi Kiyonari misses Monday's races because of injury.
Kiyonari was involved in a heavy crash during the last round at Mallory Park.
"It is shame that Kiyo is not here, I would have liked to have beaten him fair and square," said Rutter.
"But I have to get on with the job and get the results."
Australian Dean Thomas was pushing Rutter hard for pole until the Briton produced his record-breaking time.
Thomas finished second fastest with Hawk Kawasaki team-mate Glen Richards fourth, behind the Airwaves Ducati of Leon Haslam.
MMIX
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