Lucas Mahias (GRT Yamaha Official WorldSSP Team) put in a record lap early in the SP2 session, and then went on to win his second pole position of the season with a 1’36.738 – another new track best.

He came under late pressure from eventual second place rider Jules Cluzel (NRT Yamaha), with Federico Caricasulo (GRT Yamaha Official WorldSSP Team) earning the right to be third rider on the grid on Sunday.

Mahias, WSS600, Thai WSBK 2018

Sandro Cortese (Kallio Racing Yamaha) placed fourth, one place up on another former Moto2 rider, Randy Krummenacher (BARDAHL Evan Bros. WorldSSP Yamaha).

Privateer Anthony West (EAB antwest Racing Kawasaki) was top Kawasaki rider on show again, with official rider Kenan Sofuoglu out through injury at this round. Sixth for West means a second row staring place.

Local riders got into the act in Superpole, with Ratthapong Wilairot (Yamaha Thailand Racing Team) seventh and Thitipong Warokorn (Core Kawasaki Thailand Racing Team) eighth.

Official rider Hikari Okubo (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) was ninth and British runner Luke Stapleford (Profile Racing Triumph) tenth. Kyle Smith (GEMAR Team Lorini Honda) moved through Superpole 1 to Superpole 2 and finished 11th, with Raffaele De Rosa (MV Agusta Reparto Corse by Vamag) the top MV rider.