By Glenn LeSanto

Neil Hodgson made a special effort in first qualifying of the European round of the World Superbike championship at Brands Hatch. In his own words he normally “doesn’t bother too much about getting provisional pole” and concentrates more on Superpole. He put in a fast lap right at the end of the session push Wild Card rider Steve Hislop on the Monstermob Ducati down into second. The pair, who both live on the Isle of Man, led Pierfrancesco Chili and Troy Corser on the front row.

Hodgson said after the race that he wanted pole this weekend as his GSE Ducati team had so many sponsors and guests at the circuit watching his progress. He also wanted to please the local crowd who have been cheering for both Hodgson and Hislop each time they go out on the track.

Troy Bayliss struggled during the qualifying session on his Infostrada Ducati, he ended the day right down in 11th spot. Ben Bostrom also put in some fast laps late in the session to pull himself up into provisional fifth.

Friday World Superbike Qualifying Results:

1. Neil Hodgson, Ducati, 1:26.833
2. Steve Hodgson, Ducati, 1:26.863
3. Pierfrancesco Chili, Suzuki, 1:26.978
4. Troy Corser, Aprilia, 1:27.200
5. Ben Bostrom, Ducati, 1:27.245
6. Regis Laconi, Aprilia, 1:27.359
7. John Reynolds, Ducati, 1:27.422
8. James Haydon, Yamaha, 1:27.500
9. Colin Edwards, Honda, 1:27.540
10. Stephane Chambon, Suzuki, 1:27.591
11. Troy Bayliss, Ducati, 1:27.619
12. Tadayuki Okada, Honda, 1:27.855
13. Akira Yanagawa, Kawasaki, 1:27.881
14. Ruben Xaus, Ducati, 1:27.988
15. Sean Emmett, Ducati, 1:28.036

27. Peter Goddard, Benelli, 1:29.355