The two-time British superbike runner-up blitzed the pack in today‰Ûªs three-stage Superpole shootout, producing a tactical masterpiece ‰ÛÒ setting his best lap early on and then sitting back as everyone tried to return fire.
Despite a number of riders pulling out all stops, Haslam remained in control as he eventually stopped the clock with a best lap of 1:31.229, just a fraction in arrears of the fastest ever time (1:31.050) around the 4.445km circuit.
It is 26-year-old Haslam‰Ûªs first pole position in world superbike, it what has been a seamless transition from privateer Honda rider into a factory Suzuki pilot.
Haslam was sixth in last year‰Ûªs championship, which included a podium finish in the corresponding opening round at Phillip Island.
‰ÛÏI am absolutely delighted to get my first Superpole, but the race is more important,‰Û
