Claudio Corti took pole position for the Silverstone Moto2 race, on an unusual grid that saw riders with previous experience of the original track from Superstock and Supersport racing reap the benefits.
Heading into the closing stages, a group of riders who had been in the midfield all year were battling for pole, with Arne Tode, Yonny Hernandez and Alex Baldonini swapping the top spot.
Corti, who had been quick in preseason testing but showed little form thereafter until Silverstone practice, then grabbed pole with a 2m09.624s lap, which proved unbeatable.
Jules Cluzel moved up to second in the end, with Stefan Bradl and Julian Simon filling the front row.
Hernandez ended up fifth in front of Xavier Simeon, Baldolini and Tode.
The title contenders all struggled. Shoya Tomizawa had an early crash but at least salvaged 11th, while Simone Corsi and points leader Toni Elias were back in 17th and 19th respectively.
British rider Scott Redding was in the fight for pole for a while, before slipping to 12th.
Times to follow