Source: WorldSBK.

The first-ever Superpole in the history of the eni FIM Superbike Championship in Thailand went to Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team), who came out on top of an exciting final 15 minute shootout that decided the grid for tomorrow’s two 20 lap races.

In Superpole 1, Leandro Mercado (Barni Racing) and Michael van der Mark (Pata Honda WSBK Team) were split by 0.211s, the pair claiming the first two positions in the session and progressing to join the top 10 riders for the final qualifying session.

Sylvain Barrier (BMW Motorrad Italia) was on course to make it through but made a small mistake in the final corner on his final lap.

He will start both races tomorrow from 13th just ahead of Nico Terol (Althea Racing) and Leon Camier (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) who will join him on the fifth row.

Superpole 2 was once again all action from start to finish with riders able to manage two flying laps on the softer Pirelli tyre without any issue.

This provided some nervous moments for the teams but pure excitement for the packed grandstand along both straights, as it was not clear when the ultimate top time would occur.

Rea was the first to throw down the gauntlet with the fastest lap of the weekend, the first ever sub 1m34s lap of the Chang International Circuit.

Leon Haslam (Aprilia Racing Team – Red Devils) almost bettered it with his first flying lap before a mistake on his next lap ruined any chance he had at that point of the session.

Troy Bayliss (Aruba Ducati SBK) had sparks flying from his boots as he muscled his way into contention, the multiple former champion putting himself third with four minutes to go.

With everyone now on the softer option tyre the timing screens were illuminated as each rider set about overhauling Rea who was still clinging on at the top of the standings.

As the chequered flag was waved signalling the end of qualifying it was joint championship leaders Rea and Haslam that came out on top, the pair separated by 0.011s.

Alongside the front two Alex Lowes (Voltcom Crescent Suzuki) completes the front row with Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team), Jordi Torres (Aprilia Racing Team – Red Devils) and Chaz Davies (Aruba Ducati SBK) making up row two ahead of Bayliss, van der Mark, and Sylvain Guintoli (Pata Honda WSBK Team).

2015 World Superbike Championship
Round two – Chang International Circuit, Thailand

Superbike Superpole results:
1. Jonathan Rea 1m33.382s
2. Leon Haslam 1m33.393s
3. Alex Lowes 1m33.738s
4. Tom Sykes 1m33.841s
5. Jordi Torres 1m34.080s
6. Chaz Davies 1m34.084s
7. Troy Bayliss (AUS) 1m34.334s
8. Michael van der Mark 1m34.514s
9. Sylvain Guintoli 1m34.562s
10. Leandro Mercado 1m34.674s

Click here for detailed results