2016 Ulster GP: Dunlop takes Superstock pole

Michael Dunlop has taken pole position for Saturday’s Superstock race at the Ulster Grand Prix with the Hawk Racing BMW rider clocking 121.625mph around the Dundrod circuit.

After a lengthy delay due to heavy mist, the session finally got underway at 1.20pm and Dunlop was immediately quick out the blocks, his opening lap of 119.212mph almost six seconds quicker than early second place runner Peter Hickman.

However, second time around it was Jamie Coward who went quickest at 119.299mph and the Devitt RC Express Kawasaki rider was the first to break the 120mph barrier, his third lap of 120.192mph seeing him go almost two seconds clear.

Dunlop pitted to make adjustments and when he went back out, his aforementioned lap of 121.626mph gave him pole position, 1.5s clear of Derek Sheils on the Shirlaw Kawasaki. Steve Mercer, on the second Devitt RC Express Kawasaki, moved up to third with a late lap of 120.718mph just ahead of team-mate Coward who was the only other rider to lap at more than 120mph.

Valvoline Racing by Padgetts Racing duo Conor Cummins and Bruce Anstey took fifth and sixth with the top ten completed by Dean Harrison, Dan Kneen, Hickman and Derek McGee. David Johnson took 11th on the Wilson Craig Honda with Gary Johnson 13th on the East Coast Construction/Burdens BMW. Ian Hutchinson could only manage 14th on the Tyco BMW and will have to start Saturday’s race from the fifth row.