Bayliss primed to exit on a high

Bayliss dominated in treacherous conditions

Troy Bayliss overcame heavy rain to claim pole position for Sunday's World Superbike races in Portimao.

The Australian, 39, who has already crowned 2008 champion, will retire after this weekend's season-ending round in Portugal.

The Xerox Ducati rider, who also took the title in 2001 and 2006, was over three seconds ahead of British wildcard entry Cal Crutchlow on a Honda.

Third fastest was Northern Ireland's Jonathan Rea, making his WSB debut.

Rea, 21, from Ballyclare, will ride for the Hannspree Ten Kate Honda team in next year's championship.

Bayliss, who took his eighth Superpole of the season, said: "It is my last Superpole, I'm very happy with that.

"The Xerox Ducati has been great all weekend, I've got a great team behind me. I hope to repay them with two wins."

Crutchlow, on the HM Plant Honda, said: "All credit to the team, they've done a fantastic job and I look forward to the two races."

Rea, who has raced in the World Supersport championship this season, said: "It's a huge thanks to the team, they've made this transition quite easy for me."

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World Superbike qualifying, Portugal - Superpole:
1 Troy Bayliss (Aus) Ducati 1min 58.548secs
2 Cal Crutchlow (GB) Honda 2:01.023
3 Jonathan Rea (Gbr) Honda 2:02.027
4 Max Biaggi (Ita) Ducati 2:02.107
5 Michel Fabrizio (Ita) Ducati 2:02.779
6 Leon Haslam (GB) Honda 2:02.861
7 Troy Corser (Aus) Yamaha 2:03.014
8 Ruben Xaus (Spa) Ducati 2:03.023
9 Regis Laconi (Fra) Kawasaki 2:03.494
10 Noriyuki Haga (Jpn) Yamaha 2:04.420
11 Carlos Checa (Spa) Honda 2:04.496
12 Jakub Smrz (Cze) Ducati 2:05.250
13 Yukio Kagayama (Jpn) Suzuki 2:05.408
14 Ayrton Badovini (Ita) Kawasaki 2:06.354
15 Max Neukirchner (Ger) Suzuki 2:06.830