Karl Harris will line up in third place on the Rob Mac Racing Yamaha for the opening round of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship at Brands Hatch, Kent, on Sunday April 6.
Changeable weather conditions dictated some frantic qualifying action from the start of the 50-minute session. Karl started the session in 4th place, and maintained a front row start for the duration.
The session became a race against time as the temperature dropped and the clouds drew in. Karl continued to post 1:26 second laps, with his best a 1:26.364 putting him into 2nd place, pipped to third by HM Plant Honda rider, Cal Crutchlow just as the heavens opened bringing a prompt conclusion to proceedings.
Karl's debut front row start for Rob Mac Racing provided some consolation after the team suffered disaster before arriving at the circuit. The team race transporters were involved in a crash en-route to the circuit, resulting in every single Henderson Yamaha R1 Cup bike being damaged. A heroic effort has been necessary to ensure that all of the Henderson Yamaha R1 competitors have their race bikes ready to race.
The lights are scheduled to go out on the first of the two 20-lap Superbike races at 13.45. Race two blasts into action at 16.30, Sunday 6 April
Rob Mac, Team Principal: "We'll have that, what with everything that has gone on so far this week. This has lifted the whole team, Karl continues to inspire everyone with his laid back approach. He really chills the team out, when he delivers like this it really rewards the team. A front row start gives them something to enjoy a beer over tonight."
Karl Harris:"A front row, that will do! At least we know that we are there with the pace. I think it's the fastest I've been round Brands GP. Its great to be back up there and the bike feels great. We quickly got in to the 1:27s yesterday but kind of levelled out for a while. After practice earlier we sat down and made some minor changes to iron out a few small problems, then we were straight into the 26s. I'm confident with the bike for race set-up and just can't wait for the real thing now."
Qualifying Classification:
1) Byrne (Ducati)
2) Crutchlow (Honda)
3) Karl Harris (Rob Mac Racing Yamaha)
4) Haslam (Honda)
5) Sykes (Suzuki)
6) Camier (Ducati)
7) Andrews (Yamaha)
8) Rutter (Ducati)
Fuchs-Silkolene British Supersport Quaifying - Truck Links YamahaTaking to a very damp track on wet tyres, Joe Dickinson put his Truck Links Yamaha into third place in the opening stages of the first qualifying session of the Fuchs-Silkolene British Supersport season at Brands Hatch today (April 5).
Joe stamped his mark on the grid posting a pole time of 1:33.157 with 4 minutes to go. Struggling to find some clear track, Joe suffered a little with traffic and could not better his time, eventually dropping down to 6th as the chequered flag dropped.
The dry Qualifying 2 session shook up the running order for the final places. Joe struggled to pick up the pace and as the session continued, a short burst of rain mid-session brought him back into the garage. With only minutes to go back out on track, Joe eventually ended up just behind his counterpart, BJ Toal in 15th place.
Joe Dickinson:"That wasn't as we planned, I'm really disappointed to be honest. I've got a lot of work to do tomorrow to turn it around, but I'll be there giving it my best."
Qualifying 1 - Classification:
1) Richards (Truimph)
2) Kennaugh (Yamaha)
3) BJ Toal (Virgin Media Yamaha)
4) Brogan (Honda)
5) Hobbs (Honda
6) Joe Dickinson (Trucklinks Yamaha)
7) Webb (Honda)
8) Owens (Honda)
9) Beech (Yamaha)
10) Cooper (Honda)
27) Nick Medd (Virgin Media Yamaha)
Qualifying 2 - Classification:1) Kennaugh (Yamaha)
2) Richards (Triumph)
3) McGuinness (Honda)
4) Fitzpatrick (Yamaha)
5) Martin (Kawasaki)
6) Brogan (Honda)
7) Hobbs (Honda)
8) Lowry (Suzuki)
14) BJ Toal (Virgin Media Yamaha)
15) Joe Dickinson (Trucklinks Yamaha)
34) Nick Medd (Virgin Media Yamaha)
Live British Eurosport 2 Broadcast window, Sunday 6 April 13.15-15.15
