Karl Muggeridge (Winston Ten Kate Honda) proved that his is back to his best with a fine ride in Superpole, promoting himself to the second row with the seventh best time in the session, putting himself just one place ahead of his team-mate James Toseland (Winston Ten Kate Honda). Muggeridge was forced to miss the previous Valencia round as he recovered from spinal injuries, but has bounced back in fine style at one of his favourite circuits.
Toseland was fifth fastest after regulation qualifying, with Muggeridge then ninth, before Superpole altered their fortunes somewhat. Toseland could not improve on his best previous time, unlike the majority of the other top riders, including Muggeridge. Pole position was taken by Troy Corser, from Troy Bayliss.
Each rider faces two tough 18-lap races on Sunday, but each has good race form at this circuit, and the Honda CBR1000RR delivers an enviable performance package in race conditions at the 5.793km Monza circuit.
Ronald Ten Kate - Team Manager:“To be honest, I was hoping, almost expecting, to be on the front row with at least one of the riders. But we will have to make do with second row starts from both of our riders. We also know it will be slipstreaming all along through the races; even in practice we have seen it. James and Karl have been up there in terms of race times all weekend, so I would say we are in a good position for sure. It is going to be exciting from start to finish. Karl did a really good job, he is just being confidence step by step, not doing crazy things and not pushing too hard. So the atmosphere in the garage once again is very good.”
Karl Muggeridge – Winston Ten Kate Honda Rider (7th – 1’47.082):“To go seventh after what had happened with my accident was not too bad. The second row start is OK, and so far our weekend has gone pretty much OK. My health is good, and my body is not giving me any problems so I’m quite confident for tomorrow. I like the track and I think our bike will suit it.”
James Toseland – Winston Ten Kate Honda Rider (8th – 1’47.133):“I’m not too happy because yesterday we had the bike much better and even this morning it was good. But in the free practice this afternoon we tried some new settings and modifications and I didn’t improve my time. I think that affected my Superpole lap and I didn’t use my qualifying tyre in the best way. So we will change the settings back tomorrow and I believe we can get good results.”
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