By blue2bikes
June 25 2006

British rider James Toseland threw down the gauntlet on his Winston Ten Kate Honda by taking pole for today’s World Superbike races at Misano. In blistering heat James lapped the circuit in 1min 33.833secs, taking his first pole position since 2003.

© Raceline Photography

Troy Corser, the reigning champion returning after a bout of chicken pox, managed to take second place; but it was a disappointing result for the present championship leader, Troy Bayliss. Foggy Petronas rider Steve Martin took a great fourth place, and hopefully he will be able to carry this forward when the lights change.

© Raceline Photography

Troy Bayliss had been leading the times throughout the weekend, but couldn’t get it together for the Superpole. Chris Walker was again the first Kawasaki rider, taking fifth position on the grid. Chris knows his work will be cut out today, but he will be trying his best with a machine that is underpowered compared to the top riders’ machines.

© Raceline Photography

James said (yesterday), “I am delighted with Superpole, and knew that the time I had set was going to be hard for others to beat. I just love the place - the track, the beach, the sunshine; and my family are here to support me, and I know it’s going to be hard tomorrow, but I can’t wait.”

Superpole results, Misano:
1 James Toseland, Honda
2 Troy Corser, Suzuki
3 Andrew Pitt, Yamaha
4 Steve Martin, Petronas
5 Chris Walker, Kawasaki
6 Noriyuki Haga, Yamaha
7 Troy Bayliss, Ducati
8 Lorenzo Lanzi, Ducati
9 Régis Laconi, Kawasaki
10 Yukio Kagayama, Suzuki

© Raceline Photography