Josh Brookes claimed his third pole of the British Superbike Championship season at Donnington Park on Saturday.
Tyco Suzuki rider pushed all the way by Lowes
Josh Brookes was pushed hard by Alex Lowes for his third pole of the British Superbike Championship season at Donnington Park on Saturday.
Tyco Suzuki rider Brookes was 0.116 seconds faster than Lowes, who is chasing one of the two remaining places in the six-strong group eligible to compete for the title.
"This is really sweet, the strongest start we've had to a race so far," said Brookes. "We've been strong and fast from the start.
"The Tyco Suzuki is working well and that sets the standard for good results in the races. Now I have to carry that momentum and my desire is always to win."
WFR Honda's Lowes, who currently lies sixth place in the rankings, said: "I'm really getting to grips with being up front.
Crashed
"Aand now I am riding with confidence to go out and do a good job, everything is starting to click for me but now I have to do it in these races.
"I need to go out and do the business tomorrow in the races."
Defending champion Tommy Hill was third fastest on his Swan Yamaha ahead of Samsung Honda's Jon Kirkham
Kirkham's title-chasing team-mate Michael Laverty crashed out unhurt in the final part of the qualifying session.
Supersonic BMW's Tommy Bridewell, fifth in the overall standings, starts from the second row of the grid in seventh as he prepares to defend his position.
He faces a building challenge from WFR Honda's James Westmoreland who was marginally faster in qualifying.
