Jason O’Halloran Takes A Confident Pole Position At Thruxton.

The weather at the rapid circuit of Thruxton was slightly better than yesterday for the Qualifying sessions. A new tyre was available for the riders this weekend, the SC1 Compound, but as of yet none of the riders have chosen to use the new tyre.

For the Q1 session riders lined up all hoping to get through to Q2. Getting a higher grid position for the races is paramount at Thruxton with it being a shorter circuit than most on the Bennetts British Superbike calender.

As proceedings got under-way for Q1 it was Ryan Vickers who was setting the pace in top spot. Josh Brookes was in eighth position out of the qualifying Q2 places. Honda’s Glenn Irwin put in a flying lap and claimed first position followed by Xavi Forés, Tarran Mackenzie, Ryan Vickers, Gino Rea and last Q2 spot going to Storm Stacey.

There were 18 riders on track for Q2, all pushing for the Pole Position. Jason O’Halloran was leading the way followed by Peter Hickman after the first few laps. Honda’s Glenn Irwin replaced Hickman in second place with six minutes left to go in the session. Bridewell was in the pits looking anxious, as he was down in 18th place. Ryan Vickers stormed into third position with just two minutes remaining in the session.

At the chequered flag Jason O’Halloran crossed the line taking his third pole position of the season so far, Glenn Irwin got his best place qualifying finish of the season so far finishing in second place, with Kawasaki’s Ryan Vickers in third place. Championship leader Christian Iddon finished in fifth place. Tarran Mackenzie was in ninth just in front of BMW’s Brad Ray.

After the session had finished a grid penalty was handed out to Ryan Vickers due to a Red Flag infringement and he will now line-up on the grid in sixth place.

Can Jason O’Halloran convert his pole position into his fifth win of the season so far? Race One is this afternoon at 16.15.

Featured Images: Bennetts British Superbikes, Double Red Photographic.