Tommy Hill smashed the BSB lap record as he took pole position for the weekend’s races at Donington Park.

The Swan Yamaha rider blasted round in one minute 28.869 seconds to clinch his fourth pole of the season and his first of the Showdown by nearly four tenths from team-mate Michael Laverty.

John Hopkins was third, with Peter Hickman a distant fourth and Sittingbourne’s Shane Byrne in fifth.

“The races are never easy and I knew that I would be pushed all the way for the pole position this afternoon,” said Hill from Lingfield.

“I knew Michael was going to be behind me so I just stayed out and got my head down and it was good enough for pole.

“It is going to be tight tomorrow and I know we have a slight advantage in the standings but we need to keep pushing for wins and get the Swan Yamaha back on the podium in the two races tomorrow.

“We need to get a good start, stay focused and treat one race at a time because we need to stay ahead of the other Title Fighters.”

Donington qualifying results:

1. Tommy Hill (Swan Yamaha) 1m:28.869

2. Michael Laverty (Swan Yamaha) +0.389

3. John Hopkins (Samsung Crescent Racing Suzuki) +0.780

4. Peter Hickman (Tyco Honda) +1.305

5. Shane Byrne (HM Plant Honda) +1.504

6. Jon Kirkham (Samsung Crescent Racing Suzuki) +1.519

7. Ryuichi Kiyonari (HM Plant Honda) +1.570

8. Josh Brookes (Relentless Suzuki by TAS) +1.605

9. Graeme Gowland (WFR Honda) +1.673

10. James Ellison (Sorrymate.com Honda) +1.777