The second Pole Position of the PATA European Junior Cup powered by Honda was claimed by Frenchman Guillaume Raymond who snatched the top spot with his final lap.
Conditions at the historic Assen TT circuit in northern Holland were cold but thankfully dry today meaning the 35 riders all improved their lap times from yesterday.
Yesterday’s pace setter Kevin Manfredi was again at the sharp end but could only manage 7th at the flag as top honours today went to the flying Frenchman. Local wildcard rider Bo Bendsneijder was a brilliant second after holding top spot until the dying seconds, while Michael Canducci claimed the final front row position. The Italian rider making it two front row starts in as many races. Row two will be headed by Adrien Pittet who appears to be as fast in both wet and dry conditions this weekend. Peter Sebastyen took 5th just ahead of his Hungarian compatriot Richard Bodis who will complete the second row.
Manfredi will start 7th ahead of Hubner, Orellana and Brit Josh Harland who completes the top 10. Ilya Mikhalchyk was another rider to leave it late to displace round one winner Jake Lewis who was 12th in qualifying today.
With the times in qualifying often counting for nothing in this close, exciting class which showcases the champions of the future, all competing on equal CBR500cc Honda machines we can expect another frantic battle for victory in the race tomorrow afternoon.
Several riders fell during the session including Sabrina Paiuta who tumbled off her Honda at turn 7 with Aussie Zac Levy with 12 minutes to go. The fast female from Brazil was taken to the medical centre for a precautionary check up. Other fallers were Illan Fernandez, Hannes Soomer, and Jesper Hubner all thankfully escaping without injury.
The race tomorrow is scheduled to take place at 1435 local time.
