Mar-Train Yamaha's Stuart Easton topped this afternoon's Motorpoint British Supersport free practice sessions in Holland. The wee Scotsman topped the time sheets by just 0.086 of a second, ahead of the reigning Supersport champion, Glen Richards
The first session held earlier this morning was declared wet with Easton posting just three laps in the tricky conditions. Oxford TAG Triumph's Richard Cooper adapted best to the conditions, ending quickest ahead of reigning champion Glen Richards.
The pace was considerably quicker for this afternoon, however, with the track having dried out throughout the day. Easton, who holds an eight point championship lead after Donington Park, will head into tomorrow's qualifying as the pacesetter after setting a lap time of 1'41.294 with his last lap, demoting Seeley to second. Cooper translated his wet pace into dry pace, ending the session third quickest ahead of Samsung Honda's Jason O'Halloran. Today has been O'Halloran first competitive track time at Assen, after having his first visit to the Dutch circuit at a test earlier in the year.
Profile Triumph's Luke Mossey was fifth quickest, on his return to the championship after missing the past four rounds. Gearlink Kawasaki's Alastair Seeley ended the session sixth fastest, as he fights for fitness in order to battle for the championship. The Northern Irishman has crashed at the previous two rounds aggravating a cracked rib injury on both occasions.
Appleyard Macadam's Graeme Gowland took seventh quickest, three quarters of a second adrift of Easton. KGD Honda's new recruit Kervin Bos put his track knowledge to good use claiming eighth spot but will equally be a threat in the rain as well having been third quickest this morning. The Dutchman is currently second in the Dutch Supersport championship and is on a Ten Kate prepared Honda this weekend.
Rounding out the top ten were Oxford TAG Triumph's Scott Smart and the form rider in the championship, Billy McConnell. The Adelaide born rider has won two of the past three races aboard the Smiths Triumph.
