Rizla Suzuki's Cal Crutchlow will start from sixth on the grid for tomorrow's final round of the 2007 Bennetts British Superbike Championship at the Brands Hatch Indy circuit in Kent after showing fast podium potential on race tyres during practice.
Crutchlow built his pace across three practice sessions before challenging for pole position in the 50 minutes of qualifying. He eventually ended up sixth, only 2/10ths of a second behind pole position man Gregorio Lavilla on a Ducati.
Chris 'Stalker' Walker put on a heroic display of riding after suffering a heavy crash in the morning session that left him heavily battered and bruised. He rode through the pain barrier to finish an incredible 11th.
Cal Crutchlow"I am really happy that I am just 2/10ths of a second off pole position but gutted that it is sixth place on the second row - it's very close at the front of the grid.
"On race tyres I am able to run very fast lap times and more than ever I am capable of challenging for the podium. It's my last chance to achieve a rostrum in my rookie year tomorrow and I'll be giving it my all."
Chris Walker"I am feeling very beaten up after my morning crash. I ran into Graham Hill bend and lost the back end of my Rizla Suzuki and hit the ground hard. I took a while to come round but fortunately nothing is broken and I can ride.
"Qualification was tough, I had to grit my teeth a few times and sheer determination saw me through. I'm happy with 11th on the grid given my physical condition and will be looking for a good night's sleep and to rest as much as possible before the races."
Simon Buckmaster - Team Manager"It's been a good strong performance from both Rizla Suzuki racers today. Cal is bang on the money in race trim and I know how much he wants a podium so we are expecting great things tomorrow.
"Chris suffered a very quick crash this morning and is badly bruised and in quite a bit of pain. The fact he took to the track in the afternoon is astounding and then to take 11th on the grid shows his determination and will to succeed. He's already a hero for just riding again after such a crash and will be looking for strong results to finish his season tomorrow."
Qualifying Times- Gregorio Lavilla (Ducati) 45.190
- Tom Sykes (Honda) +0.191
- Jonathan Rea (Honda) +0.193
- Shane Byrne (Honda) +0.194
- Ryuichi Kiyonari (Honda) +0.195
- Cal Crutchlow (Rizla Suzuki) +0.260
- Leon Haslam (Ducati) +0.294
- Karl Harris (Honda) +0.374
- James Haydon (Kawasaki) +0.780
- Ian Hutchinson (Honda) +0.884
- Chris Walker (Rizla Suzuki) +0.887
