By Glenn LeSanto

Neil Hodgson made it three pole position starts from the last four races in the World Superbike Superpole qualifying here at Brands Hatch Saturday afternoon. He put in another copybook lap to push his rival, and Isle of Man neighbor, Steve Hislop back into second spot. Ben Bostrom, another rider enjoying a great run of form lately made it three Ducatis, all with Dunlop tires, on the front row. Colin Edwards, fastest in qualifying before Superpole, completed the front row in fourth with his Honda on Michelins.

“Everything is going so well at the moment,” said an elated Hodgson. “My riding is better, the bike is working better, the tires are great and the team is working really well together – it’s all making my job easier. I also think we Dunlop riders have the edge with tires at the moment.”

Ben Bostrom echoed Hodgson’s comments on the tires, saying “The Dunlops seem to be the favored tire at the moment.” Bostrom also admitted that he hadn’t enjoyed his visit to Brands last year, “I didn’t like Brands but I’m enjoying it much more this year. The crowd are awesome, I’m sure tomorrow’s race will be an incredible show for all the spectators.”

Steve Hislop showed that Brands Hatch is like Sugo in Japan when it comes to successful Wild Card riders by qualifying third. He’ll be a favorite for the race as long as he doesn’t repeat his first-corner crash from last year. “I really wanted pole but Neil got me back for beating him in Superpole at Donington earlier in the season. I just hope that I can make it further than the first corner!” Hislop joked. He explained that the heat had removed any advantage that the British Superbike regulars might have had, “It’s 20 degrees hotter than when we raced here a month ago. All our data from the British series is of no use to us now, we’ve had to change everything–tires, suspension and gearing.”

Championship leader Troy Bayliss had a difficult Superpole. Shortly after he started his flying lap, smoke could be seen pouring from the rear of his machine. He had a big slide halfway around the circuit and was obviously just hanging on for a finish, and qualified right down in 14th.

1. Neil Hodgson, GBR, Ducati, 1:26.769
2. Steve Hislop, GBR, Ducati, 1:26.867
3. Ben Bostrom, USA, Ducati, 1:27.091
4. Colin Edwards, USA, Honda, 1:27.266
5. Pierfrancesco Chili, ITA, Suzuki, 1:27.091
6. James Toseland, GBR, Ducati, 1:27.313
7. John Reynolds, GBR, Ducati, 1:27.455
8. Troy Corser, AUS, Aprilia, 1:27.475
9. Regis Laconi, FRA, Aprilia, 1:27.540
10. Akira Yanagawa, JPN, Kawasaki, 1:27.731
11. Sean Emmett, GBR, Ducati, 1:27.896
12. Tady Okada, JPN, Honda, 1:27.999
13. Stephane Chambon, FRA, Suzuki, 1:28.006
14. Troy Bayliss, AUS, Ducati, 1:28.082
15. James Haydon, GBR, Yamaha, 1:28.345
16. Ruben Xaus, ESP, Ducati, 1:28.361