Anvil Hire TAG Yamaha’s Josh Brookes cemented his place at the top of the MCE British Superbike free practice timesheets with a 2’06.160 lap at Silverstone.

The former BSB champion was the quickest rider in drying track conditions this morning, and looks like the racer to beat going into qualifying and the first race this afternoon. RAF Reserves Kawasaki’s Jake Dixon left his best lap until last and went from the mid pack all the way to second.

He was two tenth off the time set by Brookes and in doing so pushed fellow showdown hopeful, Peter Hickman down to third on the timing-screens. McAMS Yamaha’s James Ellison still holds the lap record at the
track and was P1 on the sheets with five minutes remaining, until the trio of Hickman, Dixon and Brookes went quicker.

The Panigale of John Hopkins had a strong outing and also lapped inside the 2’06’s to complete the top five. Be Wiser Ducati’s Glenn Irwin has recovered from his injuries sustained after a nasty Knockhill crash to go sixth with Guintoli, Reid, Haslam and Iddon rounding off the top ten.

JG Speedfit Kawasaki’s Leon Haslam was in his garage for some of the session and when he did make it back out on track he left it rather late and was unable to put in a fast lap and remained ninth. The same happened with his team-mate, Luke Mossey who has returned from injury after missing the Cadwell Park round.

Be Wiser Ducati’s Shane Byrne also spent most of the session in the pits and when the chequered flag came out he was on an out lap. He finished the morning in 12^th followed by O’Halloran, Bridewell and Ray.

It was not a good session for Honda Racing’s Dan Linfoot. He crashed for the second time this weekend and at the same spot at Farm. He was declared OK at the trackside.

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