Karl Muggeridge (Winston Ten Kate Honda) led Superpole qualifying almost until the end, eventually finishing third on the grid after an intense final push for qualifying positions. He had qualified seventh after the last regulation qualifying session, and will now start Sunday's two 25-lap Brands Hatch races with his team-mate James Toseland (Winston Ten Kate Honda) alongside him, after the English rider set the fourth quickest time in Superpole. The Winston Ten Kate Honda team-mates were only separated by 0.032 seconds after Superpole, and were the last two riders under the 1'26 barrier.
The Superpole session, run with qualifying tyres fitted, saw times from almost all of the top riders dropping in the sunshine at Brands, with Muggeridge some 0.8 seconds faster than his previous official qualifying best; Toseland setting a mark 0.7 seconds faster than his previous quickest. Troy Bayliss scored the Superpole win, with Noriyuki Haga second.
Ronald Ten Kate – Team Manager“For the first time this year we have had both riders on the front row, so obviously I am happy - and doubly happy because we actually have four riders on the front row, when you consider the Supersport guys as well. I think that is quite unique at world level. The main aim was front row for both, because we know how difficult it is if you are not in the front here. Yesterday we had problems and issues but everybody worked really hard to improve things for today. Even this morning we could see James was a lot faster. He did what he had to do but he was a little disappointed not to take pole in front of his home crowd, but with a huge quantity of fans behind him I am sure he will do well. For Karl, I was impressed with him, the lap time he did was very, very good. Good to see him on the front row, and we can build on that to make solid results for tomorrow. Two CBRs on the front row shows us that Hondas are going quite well round here, even if it did take us some time to get the set-up right.”
Karl Muggeridge – Winston Ten Kate Honda Rider“It's been a bit of a rocky road coming back from when I busted my back. I didn't think it would take so long, but we seem to be finding some strength now, and I'm happy to be up there. It's nice to know that when it all goes the way we want it to, we can set competitive times like this."
Toseland – Winston Ten Kate Honda Rider“We were way down yesterday after starting with new settings from Brno, and it proved not to be the way to go. But we did well today, and in Superpole, and saw Karl's time and thought 'well done for that.' I knew I would have to set a 1'25 to stay on the front row and we did it, so I'm happy to be on the front row. It's vital to get away well here so I was over the moon to see I was in fourth place. Front row is paramount. We're still in this championship and I think it will be close tomorrow.”
Superpole: 1. Bayliss - Ducati - 1'25.449
2. Haga - Yamaha - 1'25.857
3. Muggeridge - Winston Ten Kate Honda - 1'25.901
4. Toseland - Winston Ten Kate Honda - 1'25.933
5. Corser - Suzuki - 1'26.000
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