Vallelunga WSS qualifying saw a return to form for Yamaha World Supersport's Broc Parkes, who powered to his sixth pole position of the season by just over 0.3secs.

Dutchman Barry Veneman proved the Australian's nearest rival, with championship contender Jonathan Rea third for Hannspree Ten Kate Honda. Italian Gianluca took his first front row start of the year with fourth for Hannspree Honda Althea.

Rea's title leading team-mate Andrew Pitt moved up the timesheets in the dry conditions and will start from fifth ahead of Joan Lascorz and Yamaha World Supersport's stand-in rider Eugene Laverty, who delivered an excellent performance despite foot injuries sustained during last weekend's 250cc Indianapolis GP.

Donington winner Joshua Brookes struggled to a row five grid slot, while Mathieu Lagrive, Robbin Harms and Didier Van Keymeulen rounded off the top 10.