Runaway WorldSSP Championship leader Nicolo Bulega didn't let the extended break between events stutter his form in qualifying for Round 6 of the 2023 WorldSSP season as he took pole at Donington Park.

The Italian comes into the British round armed with a sizeable 36-point lead over Stefano Manzi in the overall standings and seems well placed to extend that in today's opening race after stopping the clock at a lap record-breaking 1m 29.323secs lap.

He will share the front row with sister Ducati rider Yari Montella, while Bulega's closest series rival Manzi will get underway from third.

One of the stronger qualifying sessions of the season for the Kawasaki contingent saw the experienced Lucas Mahias - deputising for the still injured Can Oncu - place the Puccetti ZX-6R in fourth, while youngster Adrian Huertas was placed fifth on the MTM bike.

Niki Tuuli scored his and Triumph's best starting position of the year in sixth place on the PTR-run STR765 RS, with Glenn van Straalen, Federico Caricasulo and Marcel Schroetter - the highest-placed MV Agusta rider - completing row three.

Elsewhere, Tom Booth-Amos had a tumble at the Foggy Esses to blame for only managing 13th best having been in form during practice, though he was still the best placed British rider.

Tarran Mackenzie was next up, the 2021 BSB champion negating his Honda's lack of straight-line performance to go 15th, while wild-card Rhys Irwin was a fine 17th on the Astro JJR Suzuki GSX-R750.

There was also an appearance for BSB rider - and 2022 British Supersport Champion - Jack Kennedy, who steps in for Andrea Mantovani on the Evan Bros Yamaha. He was 27th fastest.

WorldSSP Donington Park | Superpole Results