Pata Honda’s Michael Van Der Mark led the way in the opening World Supersport free practice session in Misano, after dominating the final half of the 45 minute outing with a 1’40.225.
Mahi Racing’s Kenan Sofuoglu was only a tenth off the pace of the young Dutchman and finished second quickest with a 1’40.382, with Yakhnich’s Jules Cluzel rounding off the top three on the timing-screens.
At first it was Cluzel who was the first rider to dominate the timesheets. The Frenchman lapped a 1’41.680 with thirty minutes remaining. Then the red flags appeared because of a crash including Marconi, who was declared OK at the track side, and all the racers swiftly retreated to their pits.
DMC Panavto-Yamaha's Kev Coghlan was one of the first riders to come out of his garage after the stoppage, and appeared keen to make his way up the timing-screens. A 1’41.852 was enough to place him fifth fastest after 15 minutes. But the Scot improved by three tenths to go second, just behind Cluzel.
Sofuoglu was a late starter to the top five, but thirty minutes from the end, made an impact to place his Kawasaki second, but it was not enough to topple Cluzel from the top of the timesheets. Championship leader, Van Der Mark followed in the same footsteps of Sofuoglu and after a slow start pushed is way to second with a 1’40.825.
With twenty minutes left on the clock the Dutchman went quickest with a 1’40.439 and headed the timesheets for the first time this morning. With just over five minutes of track time available CIA Insurance Honda's Jack Kennedy placed his Honda from 11th to third on the timing screens, after a 1’40.877.
Coghlan on the other hand was not missing out on his fellow Celts good form, and two minutes later, in a repeat of the Dubliner went into third, knocking Kennedy back down the timesheets in the process. The Perthshire lad did have a small off at Quercia but seemed un-scathed.
But in the end Coghlan was ousted from his provisional front row spot, by Cluzel and Marino and ended the first session in fifth – with a 1’40.723. Kennedy was only one tenth off the pace of the DMC rider and finished seventh quickest with his best time of 1’40.832. Wilairot and Zanetti completed the top ten.
Supersport regular Fraser Rogers did not take part in today’s proceedings as he has parted company with his Com Plus Racing team. Frenchman Valentin Debise takes his ride for this weekend, and finished the morning in 18th.
