Pata Honda’s Michael Van Der Mark out-paced Mahi Racing’s Kenan Sofuoglu to top the first World Supersport free practice time-sheets at Assen this morning.
At first it looked as though the former multiple champion would finish as the fastest rider on track – having been the dominant force for the majority of the 45 minute session.
But in the dying minutes Van Der Mark put in a 1’38.989, and overtook the Turkish rider to go top of the timing screens, and that is where he remained till the chequered flag appeared.
The Dutchman was the only racer to lap inside the 1’38 bracket, and not even Sofuoglu could match is pace, after his best lap of 1’39.612. Yakhnich's Jules Cluzel completed the top three, followed by former MCE British Superbike rider – PJ Jacobsen.
CIA Insurance Honda’s Jack Kennedy was involved in a battle with a fellow Celt – DMC Panavto-Yamaha’s Kev Coghlan for most of the outing, with the Scotsman having the slight edge over the Irish rider. But with ten minutes remaining Coghlan slipped down the standings and went from fourth to ninth fastest in a matter of seconds as he failed to improve on a 1’40.225 lap.
Kennedy on the other hand was able to maintain his race pace and ended the opening session fifth quickest with a 1’39.841, followed by Zanetti and Leonov. Com Plus SMS Racing’s Fraser Rogers ended the session 24th on the timesheets.
