Milwaukee Yamaha’s James Ellison has hailed his MCE British Superbike free practice session at Assen today as a ‘success.’ His team made more changes than usual to his bike and he is confident that it has helped this afternoon.

The Kendal native had been fourth fastest in the opening free practice on his return to Assen but as the title contender built up throughout the two sessions, his pace improved and he was just 0.382 seconds adrift of the quickest time at the end of the first day.

Ellison is adamant that there is ‘a lot more to come’, and that he can go even faster over the next two day, but overall is content with the start he has made at the track.

“It has been a successful day really, especially this afternoon. We seem to have been making more changes than normal but to be honest it has made the difference today and we have found a chunk of time so we know that there is a lot more to come,” said Ellison.

“To end today third fastest was good for me and the team and we know we have a few things still to work through in the morning so it has been a good start to the weekend for me.”