Marco Melandri ensured BMW had some reason to be pleased following Superpole at Monza after securing a front row start in a session that arguably promised more.

Having dominated the dry FP1 and Q1 sessions on Friday, BMW were looking in good shape for a pole position challenge, but inclement weather would negate much of the S1000RRs advantage come Superpole.

As such, Michel Fabrizio, Ayrton Badovini and Leon Haslam could only manage 11th, 13th and 14th between them, but BMW's final representative Melandri was able to make it into the top eight shootout for the first time this season.

Once there, Melandri held down provisional pole position for much of the session, only to be bettered by both Sylvain Guintoli and Tom Sykes during the closing stages.

Nonetheless, Melandri was delighted with his pace in the wet, particularly after seeing his hopes of a win at Assen ruined by his struggles in slippery conditions.

“The conditions were really difficult,” he conceded. “After our experiences in Assen I was quite worried about today's Superpole in the wet but we can be very happy today. BMW Motorrad did a great job today, a big 'Thank You' to all my team. The bike is working better and better, and we can concentrate on the small things that make the difference.

“I hope for stable good weather tomorrow, then everything is possible for us. Our engine is really strong, and I am pushing for getting good starts tomorrow, because you can lose the race in the first corner here. I want to dedicate my races tomorrow to my crew chief Silvano Galbusera who cannot be here with us today. All the best, Silvano!”

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