WFR Honda's Alex Lowes has strengthened his tilt for a spot in the MCE British Superbike Showdown with a front-row qualifying position at Donington Park while rivals Ian Lowry and Noriyuki Haga finished outside the top ten.

Lowes will start from second in tomorrow's opening race and his rich vein of form is coming just at the right time to snag the final place in the top six. Lowry can't find any pace faster than 1'31.0 while Haga is still struggling with his broken collarbone.

"It is awesome to be back on the front row for WFR Honda. I am getting to grips with it at exactly the right time and Cadwell Park really gave us a confidence boost for this weekend. The bike is fast and I can't fault it, so it is down to me to go out there and do a decent job now. I am enjoying this weekend and really looking forward to the races. Hopefully we can keep it going tomorrow and go out there and run with these boys and try and do the business," said Lowes.