Suzuka Eight Hour: James Toseland on provisional pole

James Toseland made his mark on the Suzuka 8-hour race by taking provisional pole position in the first qualifying session for Sunday’s prestigious event, setting the best lap so far in any session. Toseland used a Michelin qualifier for the first time and slashed his morning’s best lap by a significant 1.2 seconds.

Team-mate Ryuichi Kiyonari concentrated on his race set-up and didn’t use a qualifier with a best lap of 2.09.041.

The surprise of the day came from Japanese veteran Tady Okada who lapped within a tenth of Toseland on the second HRC bike to secure second position.

WSB Suzuki man Yukio Kagayama continued his strong form at Suzuka and after being fastest yesterday by posting the third fastest time with a 2.08.735. Final qualifying is tomorrow with the famed “Timed Attack” and “Jump Up” Superpole-like sessions.

 

Check back later for reaction to Toseland’s provisional pole.