Rea was runner-up in last year's British Superbike Series

The Ballyclare rider set the fourth fastest time despite crashing earlier in Friday's second qualifying session on his Hannspree Ten Kate Honda.

"I don't know what happened really. I'm basically fine, just a bit bruised and battered and my right ankle is hurting a bit," said Rea afterwards.

"My goal was to get on the front row, which I've done so I'm happy."

Rea high sided spectacularly at the final turn with less than 20 minutes remaining of the session.

After hobbling back to the pits, the 21-year-old went back out on track and in his final flying lap escalated himself from outside the top ten up to fourth place.

"I don't know what happened really. I was getting on the gas pretty hard to get a good run down the straight.

"I had quite a big slide but because I don't have so much experience with the bike and tyres I tried to ride the slide like I would on a Superbike, but because I didn't have as much power it just chattered away and spat me over the top."

French Yamaha rider Fabien Foret starts on pole position, with Britain's Craig Jones second and Matthieu Lagrive third.