Michael Rutter claimed pole start for the double race second round of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship at Thruxton to underline his determination to put his title challenge back on track.

The HM Plant Honda rider shrugged aside the gusting wind at the open, high-speed Hampshire circuit, putting in a best lap of 1m 15.601s to beat off the determined challenge of Leon Haslam aboard the Airwaves Ducati.

“I needed that, and I’m pleased to be on pole – the races will be one hell of scrap with the riders seven or eight abreast around here but I am ready for it and intend that these races will get me back on track for the title.

“Last year I had good results here, a win and a second place, and I want to do at least that again,” said Rutter, whose team-mate, the series leader Ryuichi Kiyonari took a bruising as he crashed at 120 miles an hour at Allards – the double winner at Brands Hatch on Easter Monday injured his left ankle and will have overnight treatment.

The Japanese rider qualified fifth fastest, just adrift of both Sean Emmett aboard the Virgin Mobile Samsung Yamaha and Honda’s Karl Harris.

Hawk Kawasaki rider Glen Richards set sixth best time in an afternoon session that saw several riders take a tumble in the blustery conditions. The most spectacular was the high-side at the chicane of Gregorio Lavilla, again deputising aboard the Airwaves Ducati for the injured James Hayden – the 30 year old Spaniard escaped injury, and starts from seventh place on the grid as he bids to strengthen his second place in the title stakes.

Defending champion John Reynolds, continuing his damage limitation exercise, as he rides with his broken right leg in a protective cast and specially made boot, was back in seventeenth place on the Rizla Suzuki, but still two places up on former MotoGP rider Jeremy McWilliams riding the Stobart Honda.

James Buckingham, riding the Quay Garage Suzuki, was the fastest qualifier for the British Superbike Cup, but only 0.055 secs ahead of Danny Beaumont on the JJL Honda and PR Branson Honda’s Steve Brogan.

Young Australian Billy McConnell qualified second fastest in the Yamaha R6 Cup session while Matt Kuhne qualified 20th on the grid in the 125 GP class.  David Johnson qualified ninth fastest in the 1,000cc Superstock class while vastly experienced compatriot Paul Young qualified second.

Dean Thomas scored 10th position on the Superbike grid, "I ended up 10th on the grid today, which I'm not overly happy with and we seem to be really struggling to get a race set up. It felt great on qualifying tyres but really had problems with grip on race tyres. It's still been really cold today and the track temperature was next to nothing, we've changed a number of things on the bike to try and sort out the race set up and I'm hoping it will all fall into place during the race tomorrow. It will be close racing tomorrow as a lot of people seem to be in the same situation as me which I'm pretty pleased about that I'm not the only one having problems. The weather is supposed to improve slightly tomorrow, the wind has been terrible today and you seem to be constantly fighting against it. I'm keeping my fingers crossed tomorrow that things improve and that I can pull together a handful of consistent good results."

Rizla Suzuki Report

Rizla Suzuki racer Scott Smart slashed more than a second from his previous best lap time to take 8th place and a second row start for tomorrow's double-header second round of the British Superbike Championship at Thruxton in Hampshire.

Smart spent much of the two qualifying sessions testing a new dual-compound Dunlop rear tyre. It features softer rubber for additional grip at the edges while the center of the tyre is a harder compound to aid longevity. Smart was able to lap consistently quickly using this rubber and is in good shape for the races.

JR suffered more than most in the driving winds as he nursed his broken right leg during the qualifying sessions. The British Champion is happy with his Rizla Suzuki set-up but wasn't ready to commit fully to a qualifying lap because of the gusting wind that was catching many riders out and causing crashes.

Thruxton boasts the fastest average lap speed of any circuit the BSB Championship visits at nearly 112mph and is Dorset-based Rizla Suzuki's home event. Honda's Michael Rutter claimed pole position.

Former Formula One commentator and friend to Rizla Suzuki, Murray Walker, will be joining the team for the racing. Superbike racing at Thruxton starts at 13:15 on Sunday, April 10th. It will be televised live on Sky Sports. A highlights programme on Channel 4 will be screened the following Sunday morning and feature the chance to win a pillion ride with Rizla Suzuki.

Scott Smart: "I didn't get a single clear lap during qualifying, so I am happy that I was able to get a second row starting position for the races. I would have preferred a faster qualifying time but thanks to back markers, gusting wind and me trying just too hard, I missed my window of opportunity.

"I spent a lot of time testing a new Dunlop dual compound rear tyre and it's given me a very competitive race pace. I think we can run at the front tomorrow, so I'll be looking for a good start to get away with the leaders early on."

John Reynolds: "Gusts of wind were catching me at high speed and threatening to wash away the front end of my Rizla Suzuki. Normally I would grit my teeth and ride through that, but I am riding with an injury and cannot afford to crash under any circumstances, so I played it safe for the second day in a row.

"I have a strong race setting and the speed of the GSX-R1000 is fantastic. I sincerely hope the wind dies down for tomorrow and if it does, then I am confident we can go out and score good points."

Stewart Johnstone, Chief Technician to JR: "JR did a good a job today given the weather conditions. He is wary of crashing again and hurting himself further and that is something none of us want to happen. He is here to score whatever points he can, test his Rizla Suzuki and build his confidence.

"Scott was amongst the top two or three fastest on race rubber and is riding well. When it came to qualifying he wasn't able to replicate that form but there are no points for today, they are only awarded tomorrow and we are confident he is going to be quick over all 22-laps of each race."