Jerez (Spain), Saturday 19 October 2013 – Eugene Laverty (Aprilia Racing Team) has claimed his second Tissot-Superpole of the year – and of his WSBK career – today after a close battle with Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team). The Irishman put in a fast lap of 1’40.620, edging the Championship leader for just 0.048s. The first row on the grid for final two races of the year is completed by Davide Giugliano (Althea Racing Aprilia), who is keen to play his part tomorrow after the consistently good performances of the first two days at Jerez.
The top-3 riders in Tissot-Superpole were joined at the SBK Paddock Show press conference by Spaniard Carlos Checa, who made official earlier today his retirement from racing and will keep staying with Ducati as an official ‘ambassador’.
Marco Melandri (BMW Motorrad GoldBet) rode his factory S 1000 RR up to fourth place, with Sylvain Guintoli (Aprilia Racing Team) and Toni Elias (Red Devils Aprilia) to follow. The Spanish rider had a crash at Turn 2 during the third Superpole session, with five minutes left, that ruined his chances of getting a better starting position.
Leon Camier (FIXI Crescent Suzuki) continued to impress on his WSBK return and, despite not being 100% fit, he secured the 7th slot on the grid over local rider Xavi Forés (Team Ducati Alstare) and Mark Aitchison (Team Pedercini Kawasaki). The Australian rider got his best-ever qualifying result today and a well-deserved 3rd row start.
Times: 1. Laverty (Aprilia) 1’40.620 average 158.140 kph; 2. Sykes (Kawasaki) 1’40.668; 3. Giugliano (Aprilia) 1’40.839; 4. Melandri (BMW) 1’40.930; 5. Guintoli (Aprilia) 1’40.958; 6. Elias (Aprilia) 1’41.347; 7. Camier (Suzuki) 1’41.837; 8. Fores (Ducati) 1’42.215; 9. Aitchison (Kawasaki) 1’42.500; 10. Davies (BMW); 11. Parkes (Yamaha); 12. Lanzi (Ducati); 13. Badovini (Ducati); 14. Sandi (Kawasaki); 15. Fabrizio (Honda); 16. Barrier (BMW); 17. Haslam (Honda); 18. Cluzel (Suzuki); 19. Neukirchner (Ducati); 20. Iannuzzo (BMW).
European Junior Cup
Augusto Fernandez (DS Junior Team) took the most out of the qualifying session for the European Junior Cup by scoring his first pole position of the year. The local youngster from Madrid, who is still in contention for the title, edged fellow Spaniard and wildcard Mika Perez (Honda Spain) and Michael Canducci (Colors Experience). Championship leader Jake Lewis (Jake Lewis Racing) and other main title contender Robin Anne (Anne Formation) will start tomorrow’s race from 14th and 22nd place respectively.
Times: 1. Fernandez 2’00.866 average 131.650 kph; 2. Perez 2’00.980; 3. Canducci 2’01.050; 4. Fernandez 2’01.495;5. Orellana 2’01.562; 6. Hubner 2’01.648; 7. Aranda 2’01.811; 8. Sebestyen 2’01.847; 9. Harland 2’01.854;10. Manfredi 2’01.872; etc.
