Troy Corser on pole for first World Superbike 2007

Raceline Photography
By blue2bikes
February 23 2007

Losail circuit in Qatar, World Superbikes round one: Yamaha’s Troy Corser (pictured in 2006) lowers the lap record for the second time during preparations for the first round of the 2007 World Superbike series.

James Toseland (Honda) smashed the current lap record with a time of 1min 58.681secs during qualifying, but Troy Corser hit back during Superpole with a time of 1min 58.402secs.

James had a slide during the Superpole and was left disappointed with his third placing, but the on form rider is determined to carry on where he left off at the end of last year’s series and is in good shape, stating that he feels he has a good set-up to take a race win. Troy Corser, onboard the all-new Yamaha managed, to out-do rookie rider Max Biaggi (Suzuki) and take the top spot with a breathtaking new lap record.

Troy Bayliss (Ducati), the current world champion, was left down the field in sixth position. Troy had stated prior to the practice and qualifying that, although he had led most of the testing sessions this year, that it was not going to be an easy task to hold onto his crown.

Surprisingly, former GP rider Max Biaggi is making his presence known, and is in great form - and could be the rider to upset the front-runners of last year’s series.

Last season’s final races were electrifying, and this year’s season’s opener will not disappoint - with James wanting to show he is just as determined as ever. Whatever the outcome on race day, which is tomorrow Saturday 24th February, you can be sure of close and competitive racing, and I feel that Max Biaggi may come away with a good result in his rookie year.

Rookie Briton Dean Ellison, aboard his GBR Team Pedercini Ducati 999RS, took a fifth row starting position on an unknown track - and will certainly be further up the listings when the third round returns to Donington Park on April 1st 2007.

Top ten Superpole positions:

1 Troy Corser (Yamaha)
2 Max Biaggi (Suzuki)
3 James Toseland (Honda)
4 Noriyuki Haga (Yamaha)
5 Lorenzo Lanzi (Ducati)
6 Troy Bayliss (Ducati)
7 Yukio Kagayama (Suzuki)
8 Max Neukirchner (Suzuki)
9 Fonsi Nieto (Kawasaki)
10 Roberto Rolfo (Honda)