Outgoing Santander Yamaha World Superbike rider Noriyuki Haga made the best of soaking conditions at Vallelunga this afternoon, getting his provisional pole lap in before the rain got worse.

The Samurai of Slide, who is leaving for Xerox Ducati and will be replaced by Rizla Suzuki’s Tom Sykes, set his pole lap in the first 12 minutes and remained there as most riders gave up with half an hour to go.

Sterilgarda’s Ruben Xaus was second quickest with Troy Bayliss third and countryman Troy Corser in fourth.

Ten Kate Honda’s Ryuichi Kiyonari recovered from a crash this morning to take fifth with Gregorio Lavilla sixth, Carlos Checa seventh and Robbie Rolfo rounding out the second row.

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