Brands Hatch BSB: Brookes smashes lap record for pole

Relentless by TAS Suzuki rider Josh Brookes will start from pole position for this afternoon’s race after smashing the lap record with a time of 1:24.111.

Brookes, who is still in with a chance of winning the title set the lap after the record had already been broken by Swan Yamaha’s Michael Laverty and Samsung Crescent Suzuki’s John Hopkins.

Hopkins and Tommy Hill – the two main title challengers, qualified third and fourth respectively, with Laverty in second.

Outside title hopeful Shane Byrne will start from 19th on the grid after crashing at Westfield in the second session. Tyco Honda rider Peter Hickman crashed at the same place minutes later.

Evo rider Graeme Gowland impressed in the second qualifying session, setting the second fastest time behind Laverty. Gowland will start from eighth on the grid.

Reigning champion Ryuichi Kiyonari will start from 14th place on the grid, after failing to make the final session.

    Josh Brookes (Relentless Suzuki by TAS) 1m:25.111s
    Michael Laverty (Swan Yamaha) +0.031s
    John Hopkins (Samsung Crescent Racing Suzuki) +0.177s
    Tommy Hill (Swan Yamaha) +0.473s
    James Ellison (Sorrymate.com Honda) +0.617s
    Michael Rutter (Rapid Solicitors-Bathams Ducati) +0.861s
    Jon Kirkham (Samsung Crescent Racing Suzuki) +0.879s
    Graeme Gowland (WFR Honda) +1.078s
    Martin Jessopp (Rapid Solicitors-Bathams Ducati) +1.248s
    Alex Lowes (Motorpoint Yamaha) +1.873s