JOHN Hopkins set a new Silverstone lap record during Superpole in the build-up to Sunday's World Superbike race. Hopkins was closely followed by Irishman Laverty and Brit Leon Camier in third.
After Superpole, Hopkins said: "I know it’s just qualifying and Superpole, but I’m so grateful to be here and racing a wild-card in the World Superbike series, and just to be racing a motorcycle at all because last year I was told by many doctors that I had to retire because of my wrist. A big thanks also to the Samsung Crescent team, they’ve been working their butts off to build an amazing bike. But now the real work starts tomorrow and I’ll be giving it my best!”
Silverstone World Superbike Superpole 2011 Results:
1. John Hopkins (Suzuki) 2'04.041
2. Eugene Laverty (Yamaha) 2'04.068
3. Leon Camier (Aprilia) 2'04.303
4. Carlos Checa (Ducati) 2'04.362
5. Sylvain Guintoli (Ducati) 2'05.456
6. Marco Melandri (Yamaha) 2'05.639
7. Michel Fabrizio (Suzuki) 2'05.997
8. Noriyuki Haga (Aprilia) 2'05.727
9. Leon Haslam (BMW) 2'05.091
10. Aryton Badovini (BMW) 2'05.115
11. Max Biaggi (Aprilia) 2'05.184
12. Mark Aitchison (Kawasaki) 2'06.238
13. Jakub Smrz (Ducati) 2'05.400
14. James Toseland (BMW) 2'05.403
15. Max Berger (Ducati) 2'05.709
16. Tom Sykes (Kawasaki) 2'05.899
