Monza WSS: Lowes piles in to take pole

Sam Lowes (Yakhnich Racing Yamaha) left it to the very last minute to take pole in the Supersport World Championship class at Monza, although not reaching the previous best lap, set in 2010 by Eugene Laverty, with his 1’47.899 today.

Lowes had been baulked by a slower rider near the end of the second qualifying session, so had to work hard during his final opportunity to lead the field away on Sunday, and finally succeeded by 0.255 seconds.

Second fastest was Intermoto Pony Expres Kawasaki rider Florian Marino, who is not even regular in this class as he subs once more for the injured David Salom.

Third quickest WSS man was World Champion Kenan Sofuoglu (Kawasaki Mahi Racing Team India) and fourth Pata Honda’s Lorenzo Zanetti. Kevin Coghlan (DMC-Lorenzini Kawasaki) placed eighth on the grid.

A few drops of rain in the final minutes of the session made several places on the circuit treacherous.