With just four minutes to go, qualifying was red-flagged to clear debris from the 2.69-mile long circuit. When the session restarted in a frantic two-lap dash to determine the grid, the Rizla Suzuki riders both improved their lap times despite being caught in heavy traffic. In warm and dry conditions, Honda's Michael Rutter took pole position.

Racing at the fourth round of the British Superbike Championship takes place on Bank Holiday Monday, May 2nd, at Oulton Park in Cheshire. It will be shown live on Sky Sports with a follow-up highlights package shown on Channel 4 the following Sunday.

James Haydon:
"In the last four minutes of qualifying I got behind another rider and was on for a couple of fast laps - but for some reason he slowed up in the chicane and that took the edge off my times. I still managed my best lap right at the end but think I could have gone faster if the track was clear in front of me.

"I'm delighted though. It's now all about the start and the second row is a good place to be. If I can get off the line cleanly, I think we have a race package to compete with the front-runners. I'm comfortable, the GSX-R1000 is a strong bike and it's great to be back racing again, I'm loving every minute of it!"

Scott Smart:
"The final four minutes of qualifying felt a bit like a race and despite the traffic, I posted my fastest lap. I will be concentrating on getting a good start and if I can get away with the leaders, I have the pace to stay with them and hopefully use the Suzuki's horsepower to work my way up the leader board.

"I have been suffering with a cold today - since Wednesday if I am honest. I am not sleeping well and that is not helping me get the best out of my Rizla Suzuki. If I can get a good night's sleep, I'll be in a much better position and ready to attack."

John Reynolds:
"Watching qualifying from the pit wall is extremely exciting and something I don't get to do very often. The last four minutes were just mayhem with traffic on track and both Rizla Suzuki riders did well to be so quick right at the end.

"James is doing a fantastic job on my Rizla Suzuki. He's settling in well and although he's a bit rusty because he hasn't been riding since the pre-season, he has been getting faster and faster and has a very good race set-up. If he gets a good start in the races, he'll be in the reckoning.

"Scott is suffering from a cold and is not his usual chirpy, aggressive self. If he is feeling better tomorrow you can expect fireworks as he is quick on race rubber and not frightened to overtake."

Qualifying Times: 1: Michael Rutter (Honda) 1:36.436, 2: Dean Thomas (Kawasaki) +0.479, 3: Leon Haslam (Ducati) +0.748, 4: Glen Richards (Kawasaki) +0.972, 5: Karl Harris (Honda) +1.089, 6: Gary Mason (Honda) +1.146, 7: JAMES HAYDON (RIZLA SUZUKI) +1.378, 8: John Laverty (Honda) +1.531, 9: Gregorio Lavilla (Ducati) +1.544, 10: SCOTT SMART (RIZLA SUZUKI) +1.768.