WSS: Crutchlow eases to Brno pole

Cal Crutchlow converted his practice pace into an equally dominant performance during qualifying for the latest World Supersport round at Brno, although Eugene Laverty will start right alongside him for the race.

Crutchlow was in charge from the outset, commanding an advantage of more than a second for much of the session as he eventually lowered his best time to 2mins 02.060secs - another lap record.

That was enough to put him eight tenths clear of Laverty, the Parkalgar Honda rider putting in his most convincing performance of the weekend thus far, even if his position somewhat belies the margin between the two title protagonists.

Kawasaki's strong Supersport form continued as Joan Lascorz and Katsuaki Fujiwara rounded out the front row for 'Team Green', the first time the manufacturer has managed to get both of their bikes up at the front for some time.

Almost as impressive was Triumph's performance, with Gianluca Nannelli launching himself from outside the top ten to claim fifth on the grid, while Garry McCoy starts directly alongside him in sixth position too.

By contrast, Honda endured a dismal session, with Massimo Roccoli and Anthony West their next best representatives after Laverty in ninth and tenth, behind Yamaha pair Fabien Foret and Michele Pirro.

The session was particular disastrous for Ten Kate Honda duo Kenan Sofuoglu, who could only qualify a lowly 14th having run at the front throughout practice, and Andrew Pitt, the Australian down in 24th as he struggles struggling with a painful elbow following a vicious accident during practice.

Elsewhere, Sheridan Morais put in a notable performance in 13th place having featured inside the top ten for almost the session's entirety, while Jason O'Halloran makes his debut for Althea Honda in 25th. British pair Michael Laverty and Sam Lowes line up 20th and 27th on the grid respectively.