Smrz sets pace in qualifying

Jakub Smrz clocked the fastest time in first qualifying on the opening day of the 2009 FIM World Superbike Championship season at Phillip Island.

The 25-year-old Czech powered his Ducati around the picturesque circuit, which is situated south of Melbourne, in a time of one minute 32.212 seconds.

Smrz's time was just good enough to edge veteran Nori Haga into second by 0.257secs - the Japanese rider enjoying a good first-up day on his new Ducati 1198.

British rider Leon Haslam finished third in the timesheets as most of the riders made good of the warm conditions.

Less than a second separated the top 14 riders, and Smrz told the World Superbike Championship's official website: "For me, Phillip Island is almost the best circuit in the world. It is easy for me to make a good lap here.

"The bike is a good bike and 95% similar to last year's, so I have been able to get on the pace very quickly. For sure, I have a lot of confidence with the tyre, even in these hot conditions."

Smrz will be looking to take his good form into Saturday when the new Super-pole 'knockout' system will be used to decide grid places for Sunday's two races.