Kawasaki’s Tom Sykes destroyed the outright lap record on his way to his fourth World Superbike pole of the year at Laguna Seca yesterday. The reigning champ is pleased with his outstanding 1’21.811 lap, as he believes it's ‘crucial’ for him to start on the front row - if he wants to try and do the double today.

Sykes was the first Superbike rider to ever dip under the 1’21 second barrier at the Mazda Raceway. It proved to be half a second better than any other rider after the qualifying rear tyres were brought into play.

Also with a strong race pace set-up Sykes is in confident mood for race day, after he and his crew had to work hard in practice to give him a bike that got easier to ride going into Superpole. Sykes, who won the first race at Laguna Seca last year, now starts in the best possible place for the two 25- lap races today.

“To take pole here is very exciting especially after we struggled a bit earlier this weekend and because some of our competitors have been very strong here,” said Sykes.

“Slowly but surely we have got the bike working much better and I am a lot more confident for Sunday. It is crucial to be on the front row so when I put a qualifying tyre in I had a little stab at getting the best lap.

“I had a little adventure in the Corkscrew but I came out of the other side and we made it happen for the lap time. I am happy because it is a great lap time and the guys have all worked hard to achieve it. It’s going to be close because a number of people have good race pace but I am looking forward to it.”