Edwards was 1.6 seconds inside the lap record as he recorded the fastest ever lap on a motorcycle around the 2.65-mile circuit on the outskirts of Johannesburg as he took the 12th pole position of his career. Edwards also lapped 0.6s faster than he had all weekend as he took his second successive pole position on the SP-2 machine.

"I was so nervous," Edwards admitted. "I knew I could get pole position but I also knew what Ben (Bostrom) and Troy (Bayliss) were capable of so my lap had to be perfect. Michelin came to the last round in Australia with their new Superpole tyres and they're doing the job."

Edwards continued: "We always knew the fast lap was in there but you never know what might happen on that one, Superpole lap. In the end it came together but it took a lot of concentration.

"Our race set-up is good and I'm confident of winning tomorrow. I've struggled a bit off the line this year, hopefully I can put that right tomorrow. I need the points and I've got a good to chance to take two wins and close the gap in the championship."

1. Edwards - 1m41.321
2. Bayliss - 1m41.412
3. Bostrom - 1m41.453
4. Haga - 1m41.625
5. Hodgson - 1m41.825
6. Izutsu - 1m42.453
7. Chili - 1m42.475
8. Pedercini - 1m42.547
9. Borja - 1m42.671
10. Toseland - 1m42.841
11. Xaus - 1m43.054
12. Walker - 1m43.853
13. Borciani - 1m43.994
14. Lavilla - 1m44.133
15. Foti - 1m44.395
16. Martin 1m44.966

The riders below did not make SuperPole and will start on the grid as follows

17. Parkes - 1m44.134
18. Antonello - 1m44.477
19. Sanchini - 1m44.697
20. Heckles - 1m45.870
21. Stey - 1m46.060
22. Mrkyvka - 1m47.687
23. Gyger - 1m49.067
24. Clementi - 1m49.170

WSBK SuperPole - SuperPole - Honda Report - Aprilia Report - Ducati Report - GSE Report - Suzuki Report - NCR Report

WSBK Friday Qualifying 1 - Honda Report - Aprilia Report - Ducati Report - NCR Report - GSE Report