Max on top in tense Superpole

Carlos Checa (Althea Racing) was the early pace setter in the final Superpole run, until Max Biaggi (Aprilia Alitalia) slammed in a record 1'54.595 to take only his second career Superpole win and lead tomorrow's race grid.

Checa headed up third place man James Toseland (Yamaha Sterilgarda) and Superpole 2's fastest man, Sylvain Guintoli (Suzuki Alstare). Jonathan Rea went fifth, Leon Haslam sixth, Noriyuki Haga seventh and Tom Sykes eighth.