Laverty snatches Tissot-Superpole win over Sykes
Eugene Laverty (Aprilia Racing Team) has claimed his second Tissot-Superpole of the year - and of his WSBK career - today after a close battle with Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team). The Irishman put in a fast lap of 1'40.620, edging the Championship leader for just 0.048s. The first row on the grid for final two races of the year is completed by Davide Giugliano (Althea Racing Aprilia), who is keen to play his part tomorrow after the consistently good performances of the first two days at Jerez.
The top-3 riders in Tissot-Superpole were joined at the SBK Paddock Show press conference by Spaniard Carlos Checa, who made official earlier today his retirement from racing and will keep staying with Ducati as an official ‘ambassador’.
Marco Melandri (BMW Motorrad GoldBet) rode his factory S 1000 RR up to fourth place, with Sylvain Guintoli (Aprilia Racing Team) and Toni Elias (Red Devils Aprilia) to follow. The Spanish rider had a crash at Turn 2 during the third Superpole session, with five minutes left, that ruined his chances of getting a better starting position.
Leon Camier (FIXI Crescent Suzuki) continued to impress on his WSBK return and, despite not being 100% fit, he secured the 7th slot on the grid over local rider Xavi Forés (Team Ducati Alstare) and Mark Aitchison (Team Pedercini Kawasaki). The Australian rider got his best-ever qualifying result today and a well-deserved 3rd row start.
