Donington BSB: Hill secures pole with new lap record

Swan Yamaha rider Tommy Hill has secured pole position for the first race of the showdown at Donington Park and set a new lap record.

Hill continued his form after dominating all free practice sessions ahead of qualifying. Swan Yamaha’s impressive form continued after the last round at Cadwell Park, as Hill’s team-mate Michael Laverty secured second position.

Samsung Crescent Suzuki rider John Hopkins returns after missing Cadwell Park due to injury, with the American setting the third fastest time ahead of Peter Hickman on the Tyco Honda.

HM Plant Honda rider and title hopeful Shane Byrne will start from fifth on the grid, with team-mate Ryuichi Kiyonari starting from seventh, ahead of showdown TAS Suzuki rider Josh Brookes in ninth.

    Tommy Hill (Swan Yamaha) 1m:28.869s
    Michael Laverty (Swan Yamaha) +0.389s
    John Hopkins (Samsung Crescent Racing Suzuki) +0.780
    Peter Hickman (Tyco Honda) +1.305s
    Shane Byrne (HM Plant Honda) +1.504s
    Jon Kirkham (Samsung Crescent Racing Suzuki) +1.519s
    Ryuichi Kiyonari (HM Plant Honda) +1.570s
    Josh Brookes (Relentless Suzuki by TAS) +1.605s
    Graeme Gowland (WFR Honda) +1.673s
    James Ellison (Sorrymate.com Honda) +1.777s