Kenan Sofuoglu keeps pole position in Q2
As second qualifying turned into a wet session in the early half, due to the rain that began falling on the Russian track, all riders had to wait until the final minutes to start a late charge for pole. During his last quick-lap attempt Lowes was a provisional first, before a technical problem at the final turn prevented him from edging out his rival for the title from the top of the timesheets. The Brit leaned his YZF-R6 against the pit-wall and - visibly disappointed - walked back to his garage.
None of the riders, except for 19th place Roberto Tamburini (Lorini Honda), was then able to improve from yesterday's session, meaning Andrea Antonelli (Team Goeleven Kawasaki) finished 4th ahead of fellow Italian Alex Baldolini (Suriano Racing Team Suzuki), Michael van der Mark (Pata Honda World Supersport), Jack Kennedy (Rivamoto Honda) and Fabien Foret (Mahi Racing Team India Kawasaki).