Image: Keith Muir.

Caterpillar JD Racing Yamaha charger Daniel Falzon is certain that his outright lap speed will become more evident in tomorrow’s 14-lap Australian Superbike races at Sydney Motorsport Park.

After setting the provisional pole position in qualifying one this morning, Falzon plummeted to seventh in Q2, but maintains that he will be in the mix come Sunday.

A strong result this weekend will be critical for Falzon’s title chances after being demoted to fourth in the standings at Morgan Park a fortnight ago, now 22 points outside of the lead entering the penultimate races of the season.

Traffic in the 29-rider field proved costly for Falzon during qualifying this afternoon, only marginally improving his time to 1m30.909s, but still just 0.712s outside of the pole position lap set by two-time champion Josh Waters.

“I’m disappointed with how qualifying two went for the team and I,” Falzon declared. “I felt quite fast on track, but unfortunately I was held up three times on my fast laps through corners where I couldn’t pass. I don’t think seventh position reflects our speed so far this weekend, but we’re staying positive and will just push for a good start in the two races tomorrow!”

With the top seven at the end of qualifying all within the 1m30s bracket and Falzon breaking through to go beneath the 31s in both sessions, he’s in the frame to factor in the battle for victory in both races on Sunday.