Leon Haslam picked up where he left off yesterday by leading the third Bennetts British Superbike free practice this morning.
Leading JG Speedfit Kawasaki team-mate in a squad 1-2, the series leader set the fastest time of the weekend so far, a 1’36.295, to stamp his authority as the championship front-runner.
Resuming form after heading up the second practice yesterday, Haslam went straight to the top before Josh Brookes and Peter Hickman beat him back to third as the Smith’s Racing BMW man went quickest.
But action was halted less than 10 minutes in as Tommy Bridewell crashed at Meeuwenmeer, resulting in the Moto Rapido Ducati man being taken to the medical centre.
RAF Regular and Reserves Kawasaki’s Jake Dixon stuck in a 1’36.856 to move up to second soon after the green flags flew again, but Gino Rea was on the move and jumped up to fifth moments later.
Haslam, however, laid down a 1’36 with just over 20 minutes remaining to pip Brookes for third, but the Australian hit the top with a 1’36.617 five minutes later while his team-mate Taz Mackenzie moved up to third.
But Anvil Hire TAG Racing’s Ellison, who continues to regain form after switching from K-Tech to Ohlins suspension this weekend, shot into the lead with a 1’36.541 with less than 10 minutes to go.
As the seconds ticked down, Haslam powered back to the top with a 1’36.295, the fastest lap time of the weekend so far, leading team-mate Mossey in a Kawasaki 1-2 as Hickman edged Ellison for third.
Be Wiser Ducati’s Glenn Irwin left his charge late as he finished the session fifth ahead of McAMS men Mackenzie and Brookes, the latter duo separated by just 0.004s.
First practice leader OMG Racing Suzuki’s Rea took eighth from RAF Regular and Reserves’ Jake Dixon and Tyco BMW man Michael Laverty.
Movuno.com Halsall Racing Suzuki’s Chrissy Rouse was forced to withdraw from the weekend before this morning’s session began after being forced to rest his wrist and hand injuries from Cadwell Park.
