Rob Mac Yamaha endured mixed fortunes with its three riders during British Superbike qualifying at Croft after Graeme Gowland and Chris Walker reached the top ten, but new signing Karl Harris was eliminated early.

BSB rookie Gowland was the team's star performer as he reached the top ten shootout on the Motorpoint/Henderson Yamaha, the former World Supersport rider going on to qualify on the third row in ninth position.

Enough for him to edge out the experienced Walker, Gowland is determined to put his starting position to good use as he chases another brace of good finishes.

"That was a good session. We have the bike working well and the times are really close, so I feel that if I can get away at the start we are in for a good result. I want to make the most of this good grid position and give the team a strong result."

Walker starts alongside in tenth position, although he faces a tough task in his bid to go fourth in the overall standings, with key rivals Simon Andrews and Ian Lowry starting ahead in second and eighth.

"I am pretty happy. We worked hard and found some time today, but I have not really ridden here very much and it is seriously bumpy and bloody fast! Tomorrow will be hard graft but I am well up for it. The sun's shining and I am sure the fans will be out in their thousands, so hopefully we can give them a good day."

Embarking on his return to the Rob Mac team this weekend, Harris admits he is struggling to adapt to the Yamaha R1 having ridden the Hydrex Honda all season. As such, he was disappointed with 19th on the grid.

"It's been a tough weekend. This new Yamaha is taking a bit of getting used to - the engine is pretty unique. It's a shame we did not quite get the best run but we will be OK tomorrow."