Bogdanka Honda's Sam Lowes put himself on the front row of the grid for tomorrow's World Supersport opener at Phillip Island with a lap that was denied by poleman Broc Parkes by 0.016s.

Lowes went round in a 1'34.461 which is way inside Fabien Foret's lap record and is joined by his PTR team-mate Jules Cluzel who is racing in WSS for the first time tomorrow. The last session was run slightly late after the death of Oscar McIntyre in an Australian Superstock session.

"I'm very happy with today's qualifying and looking forward to the race. I hit traffic on a quick lap, which stopped me from taking pole position, but I'm looking forward to my first race for Bogdanka PTR Honda and I hope to fight for victory," said the former British Supersporrt Champion.

"I want to make a solid start to the 2012 season and I'm ready for a strong title challenge. I'd like to thank all my team and fans. Roll on race one! I don't know too much about the accident but it's very sad and I'd wish to send my condolences to Oscar's family."