Mark Chiodo (Repsol Gas Racing, Triumph 675 R) achieved pole position for the Motul Supersport class ahead of tomorrow’s races at the Spokes.com.au presents Round 7 Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit.
Chiodo’s first place grid position puts in the ideal position to lead down into Gardner straight for tomorrow’s races at the Yamaha Motor Finance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul Pirelli (ASBK).
Chiodo registered a time to overcome his rival Tom Toparis (Cube Racing, Kawasaki ZX-6R) by half a second. The fastest time was set in the second qualifying session. The lap marked a new fastest lap time set for the Motul Supersport class.
The long run pace for Chiodo and Toparis looks formidable and these two riders will be difficult to catch, should the weather conditions be ideal. Chiodo managed a 1:35.330 and Toparis a 1:35.871.
Mason Coote (Aark Racing,Yamaha YZF-R6)), who won the round last time the Motul Supersport class visited Phillip Island, managed to a front row position in third. Coote finished a considerable margin off the top two however, as much as 2.3s off Chiodo with a 1:37.628.
Sam Condon (Bikebiz, Yamaha YZF-R6) came fourth overall. His time being a 1:37.910.
Chris Quinn (Coopers HXR Yamaha YZF-R6) qualified an impressive fifth in class. The fastest time managed by Quinn was a 1:38.242.
Tom Toparis
Motul Supersport Provisional Qualifying Top Ten Times
1 Mark CHIODO Mark CHIODO (Repsol Gas Racing, Triumph 675 R) 1:35.330
2 Tom TOPARIS (Cube Racing, Kawasaki ZX-6R) 1:35.871
3 Mason COOTE (Aark Racing,Yamaha YZF-R6) 1:37.628
4 Sam CONDON (Bikebiz, Yamaha YZF-R6) 1:37.910
5 Chris QUINN (Coopers HXR Yamaha YZF-R6) 1:38.242
6 Ryan TAYLOR (RTR, Yamaha YZF-R6) 1:38.367
7 Aidan HAYES (Hayes Johnston Pty Ltd, Yamaha YZF-R6) 1:38.633
8 Jordan CARLSSON (Dave’s Smash Repairs, Yamaha YZF-R6) 1:38.784
9 Mitch REES (Tony Rees Motorcycles, Honda CB600RR) 1:38.831
10 Rhys BELLING (LXI Racing, Yamaha YZF-R6) 1:38.947
Quotes from the Riders:
Mark Chiodo
“I’m really pleased with the pole position and the bike is feeling really strong at the moment. We’ve progressed far from a less than ideal start to the racing weekend. I’ve just had to improve my riding and get the bike dialled in. The weather today also improved since yesterday which allowed me to go for that quick lap.”
Tom Toparis
“Hopefully we can be really strong for tomorrow’s races. I’m very confident in my race pace and the tyre life from the Pirelli’s is awesome. I feel physically up to the task and we should be strong. The front row is an ideal place to start the race and it’s great that we’re chasing lap records this weekend. Hopefully we can get the race wins!”
Mason Coote
“It’s been challenging at times this weekend in terms of pace but we’ve managed to find a better setup for qualifying. Mark and Tom are really strong at the moment but anything can happen during race day. We’ll have a relaxing dinner tonight and go all out tomorrow for the final races of the season.”
Mark Chiodo