Brookes on pole again at Knockhill

Josh Brookes has taken pole position for the sixth round of the MCE British Superbike Championship after repeating history at Knockhill.

The Australian claimed his first BSB pole position around the Scottish circuit in 2009, a feat he has managed once more this year after nudging ahead of HM Plant Honda team-mate Ryuichi Kiyonari in a tight qualifying session.

Although always expected to be a reckoned force during Superpole, Brookes came into the session having not topped a single practice session up to that point.

Despite this, he made it count when it mattered to set a best lap of 48.486secs, almost two tenths faster than his team-mate, who also pulled it out of the bag to join him on the front row.

Series leader Tommy Hill will start in third position on the Worx Crescent Suzuki, with Michael Rutter maintaining his stellar run of form by snaring a spot on the outside of the front row in fourth.

Just behind, James Ellison produced a mighty effort to qualify fifth, the most convincing performance by the Swan Honda rider following his return to competition from a broken leg.

Dan Linfoot was also impressive on the way to sixth as both Motorpoint Yamaha riders made it into the top ten shootout, the youngster's team-mate Andrew Pitt going tenth. Between them, FP3 pace setter Stuart Easton starts seventh, ahead of Tommy Bridewell and Alastair Seeley.

Further back, there was disappointment for Michael Laverty, the Ulsterman - a tip for pole position this afternoon - crashing towards the end of Q1. Although he was already through to Q2, the damage to his Relentless Suzuki was such that he couldn't participate in the next session. He will start in 20th.

Also missing out was Chris Walker and John Laverty, who will start 11th and 14th having been top ten contenders in practice, while Steve Brogan took Evo pole position on the Jentin BMW.