Neukirchner set for Valencia revenge?

But next time out, at Valencia, the Klaffi Honda rider was spat violently from his CBR1000RR - fracturing his hand in the process - and has never returned to the podium since.

That drought could finally end on Sunday, back at Valencia, after the 24-year-old's formidable practice and qualifying form culminated in his very first WSBK pole position.

"This is my first Superpole win and I'm really happy about that," said Neukirchner. "Unfortunately I had some small problems in the free practice, but now the temperature goes a little bit down, my lap was very good. A big thanks to my team, I think we have a good set-up on the bike for race tyres and tomorrow I have big hopes of doing a couple of good races."

Neukirchner's Alstare Suzuki team-mate Yukio Kagayama was just a fraction of a second behind, the Japanese rider being almost back to full strength after his recent collarbone injury.

"I watched Troy [Bayliss'] Superpole and he made a great lap time," declared Kagayama. "It was good motivation for me then I went out and made a great lap. It wasn't a clean lap but I am very happy to be second. Now that my collarbone trouble is over, it's not perfect, but for me it's a better situation because if it was 100% I would probably push too hard."

Bayliss will start third on the grid, with fellow Ducati rider Ruben Xaus completing the front row for his home event.