WorldSSP championship leader Lucas Mahias (GRT Yamaha Official WorldSSP Team) secured a late pole position start for Saturday’s title decider, taking his official Yamaha to a track record of 2’00.738 in the process.
Over half a second behind, Jules Cluzel (CIA Landlord Insurance Honda), was second, and long time session leader Niki Tuuli (Kallio Race System Yamaha) third.
The latest in a string of superhuman efforts from Kenan Sofuoglu (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) saw him fourth fastest, as he tries to keep a hold on his championship ambitions for a sixth time.
Patrick Jacobsen (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) was fifth and Sheridan Morais (Kallio Race System Yamaha) sixth, despite having to qualify through SP1 to get into SP2.
Federico Caricasulo (GRT Yamaha Official WorldSSP Team) went seventh and British rider on a British bike Luke Stapleford (Profile Racing Triumph) was eighth.
Kyle Smith (GEMAR Balloons – Team Lorini Honda) was ninth and the top ten was rounded out by Michael Canducci (3570 Puccetti Racing FMI Kawasaki). Anthony West (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) was 12th.
By Gordon Ricthie
Mahias, WSS, Qatar WSBK 2017