Superpole

Superpole is a special qualifying format in motorsport where the fastest drivers from regular qualifying compete individually for pole position and top grid spots.

Think of Superpole as the "finals" of qualifying. Just like in other sports where the best competitors advance to a championship round, motorsport uses Superpole to let the fastest drivers battle for the best starting positions without interference from slower traffic.

The process works in two stages. First, all drivers participate in a normal qualifying session where everyone runs together on track. Then, only the fastest drivers - usually between 10 and 15 - advance to the Superpole session.

During Superpole, each driver typically runs alone on the empty track for one or two laps. This gives them the best possible chance to set their fastest time without being blocked by other cars or dealing with traffic. The driver who sets the quickest lap time in Superpole earns pole position, which means they start the race from the very front of the grid.

World Superbike Championship frequently uses this Superpole format to determine starting positions for their main races. They even have something called a "Superpole Race" - a short sprint race that sets the grid for their second main race of the weekend.

Formula E, the electric racing series, has also used Superpole qualifying in the past. Their version typically featured the top six drivers from regular qualifying competing in the Superpole shootout.

The main advantage of Superpole is that it creates exciting television moments while ensuring the fastest drivers get clean laps to show their true speed. Fans get to see each top driver pushing their car to the absolute limit without any distractions, making for dramatic qualifying sessions where every tenth of a second counts.