Ulster GP: Bruce Anstey beats adverse weather

Changeable weather conditions at the Ulster Grand Prix in Northern Ireland has seen only two classes benefit from dry track time for qualifying.
 
Both Superbike and Supersport were hampered by heavy down pours just as the sessions got into full swing leaving Ian Hutchinson on the HM Plant Honda and Bruce Anstey on the Relentless Suzuki on pole for Superbike and Supersport respectively.
 
Ian Hutchinson said: “I’m pole by two seconds so I’m well pleased. Its mint, I’ve been lucky to get enough laps in in the dry. Went out on full wets then put in an inter and managed three to four laps in the dry for Saturday’s race.

“I’m still trying to get set up so I’ll use the Dundrod 150 race to get dialled in for Saturday.”
 
The 250s and the Superstocks improved their pace but William Dunlop held off John McGuinness for pole.

The biggest jump in speed came from Bruce Anstey on his Superstock machine who set the fastest lap of the week with a 128.120mph, and he was a good 2.598secs clear of MV Agusta runner, Martin Finnegan.
 
Its 37 years since an MV Agusta last raced at the Ulster Grand Prix so with Finnegan starting from the front row it is bringing back the memories.
 
Commenting on the session Martin Finnegan said: “I was leading on the MV when the rain started so I came in, then I saw the times start to improve so I got back out.

“I only managed one lap but it was enough to make it back into second. The bike has been working well from the off. It is easy to ride, turns well and has good horsepower.

“Everything has been right all round. The only place it struggles is off the line, I’ve only had two starts on it so I’m hoping for a good start on Saturday.” 
 
Hydrex Honda’s Guy Martin was a very close third while top privateer James McBride took fourth place. McBride on his MTS/Leyford Construction Yamaha led the session for a full four laps before being out paced by the factory backed teams.