The all-new 4.276km long track at San Juan Villicum in Argentina provided several challenges for all the WorldSSP riders, not least because it had a fine covering of sand and dust that had to be worn away from its brand new asphalt during the two Friday sessions.
The best first day performance was put in by 2017 champion Lucas Mahias (GRT Yamaha Official WorldSSP Team), with a 1’44.680 lap, which was over two seconds faster than his personal FP1 best.
Jules Cluzel (NRT Yamaha) was second overall, with the other GRT Yamaha of Federico Caricasulo third. The Italian rider was just 0.155 seconds from his team-mate Mahias.
The ever-improving Thomas Gradinger (NRT Yamaha) was fourth, Randy Krummenacher (BARDAHL Evan Bros. WorldSSP Yamaha) fifth and recent podium finisher Kyle Smith (CIA Landlord Insurance Honda) the top Honda rider.
Fastest MV runner was Raffaele De Rosa (MV Agusta Reparto Corse by Vamag) in seventh, and just under a second adrift of the pace of the fastest man on day one.
Sandro Cortese (Kallio Racing Yamaha), the championship leader, was eighth and regular championship entrant Luke Stapleford (Profile Racing Yamaha) was ninth. Corentin Perolari (GMT94 Yamaha) completed the top ten.
