IRRC Superbike series leader Sebastien Le Grelle secured pole position at Chimay, just outpacing old rival, Herpigny Motors BMW Motorrad Belux team mate Vincent Lonbois.
With wet weather gracing the second qualifying session, it was the times set in the opening session which would prove crucial, with Le Grelle’s time of 1 minute 37.861 only 0.174 quicker than real roads returnee Lonbois.
Photo by Robby Repsol
Marc Fissette made it an all Belgium 1-2-3 on the time sheets, as the cream of the nations road racers set a sparkling standard at Chimay.
Didier Grams was fourth quickest just in front of fellow IRRC great Marek Cerveny, Johan Fredriks lead the Netherlands challenge, whilst event wildcards Tim Van Ooijen and Patrick Quintens impressed in finishing seventh and eighth fastest.
Concluding the top ten within qualifying was Petr Biciste and highly touted local competitor, Marty Debruyne.
Added notable performances included circuit newcomer Erno Kostamo 11th quickest, aboard the Markka Racing BMW.
IRRC Chimay – Combined Superbike Qualifying Results:
1 Sebastien Le Grelle 1.37.861
2 Vincent Lonbois 1.38.035
3 Marc Fissette 1.39.201
4 Didier Grams 1.39.842
5 Marek Cerveny 1.39.908
6 Johan Fredriks 1.40.179
7 Tim Van Ooijen 1.40.331
8 Patrick Quintens 1.40.79
9 Petr Biciste 1.41.040
10 Marty Debruyne 1.41.088
11 Erno Kostamo 1.41.233
12 Denny Lannoo 1.41.501
13 David Datzer 1.42.18
14 Kamil Holan 1.42.294
15 Davy Maes 1.42.435
16 Lukas Maurer 1.42.649
17 Christophe Guerouah 1.43.342
18 Timo Schonhals 1.43.587
19 Jean Pierre Polet 1.43.67
20 John Pilloud 1.43.926
Words by Stevie Rial