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Tom Sykes sets new lap record to claim Superpole at Donington

Tom Sykes: World Superbikesn
Image: Tom Sykes: Claims Superpole at Donington

Kawasaki rider Tom Sykes smashed his own lap record as he narrowly claimed pole position for the UK round of the World Superbike Championship at Donington Park.

Less than a second separated the top seven riders around the 4km circuit but it was the 29-year-old who came out on top after an enthralling 15-minute shootout for pole.

The Huddersfield rider clocked one minute 27.071 seconds to beat the mark he set during Superpole two years ago and will start both of Sunday’s races ahead of team-mate and championship leader Jonathan Rea.

Aruba.it rider Davide Giugliano starts in third for the Ducati Superbike race team, while there is an all-British second row consisting of Leon Haslam, Alex Lowes (both Voltcom Crescent Suzuki) and Chaz Davies.

Reigning champion Sylvain Guintoli of France starts at the back of row three on the grid.

Final grid positions:

1 T Sykes (Gbr) Kawasaki Racing Team 1:27.071 7

2 J Rea (Gbr) Kawasaki Racing Team 1:27.308

3 D Giugliano (Ita) Aruba.it Racing-Ducati SBK Team 1:27.344

4 L Haslam (Gbr) Aprilia Racing Team 1:27.535

5 A Lowes (Gbr) VOLTCOM Crescent Suzuki 1:27.554

6 C Davies (Gbr) Aruba.it Racing-Ducati SBK Team 1:27.710

7 L Camier (Gbr) MV Agusta Reparto Corse 1:28.011

8 M Baiocco (Ita) Althea Racing Ducati 1:28.188

9 S Guintoli (Fra) PATA Honda World Superbike Team 1:28.370

10 D Salom (Esp) Team Pedercini Kawasaki 1:28.620

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