Jonathan Rea and Andrew Pitt will both start from the front row of the grid for tomorrow’s penultimate 2008 World Supersport championship race at Magny-Cours. Australia’s Broc Parkes took pole position in this afternoon’s second qualifying session for the 22-lap encounter at the 4.4km circuit in central France.
The HANNspree Ten Honda riders are currently separated by 11 points at the top of the points table and, despite this weekend’s practice and qualifying sessions affected by the weather, have clearly benefited from last week’s test at Magny-Cours.
Jonathan Rea – P2, 1m41.912sThe team deserves the credit for doing such a good job this weekend. We know from the test what our race pace can be, but Broc managed to take pole again today. The bike and engine are really strong and I’m in position to get a good start and, hopefully, fight at the front until the end of the race. I’m confident in what I can do and it’s always exciting when you have the possibility to win.
Andrew Pitt – P3, 1m42.481sI’m happy enough with that after the crash yesterday. We just chipped away and got my confidence back in the front, which was also helped by the higher temperature today. But I really want to thank both sides of the garage for the way they helped give me a new bike after yesterday. Considering the state of the championship, it was great the way the whole team pulled together. Tomorrow’s plan is simple: I’ll just go out and try to win the race.
Ronald ten Kate – team manager:I’m more than happy to see both riders on the front row. Having tested here last week, we believe we have a good- race set-up for tomorrow as well. Of course, it’s an unusual position to have two riders in the team challenging for the championship win. There is only one team order for tomorrow: that everything must be fair and square.
Results – World Supersport, Magny-Cours, final qualifying:1. B Parkes (Yamaha) 1m41.543s
2. J Rea (HANNspree Ten Kate Honda) 1m41.912s3. A Pitt (HANNspree Ten Kate Honda) 1m42.481
