Gino Rea gave the OMG Racing Suzuki squad something to cheer about as he topped the times in this morning’s first Bennetts British Superbike practice session at Assen.

The former world championship rider went quickest this morning on the Dutch circuit, leading Taz Mackenzie by almost four tenths of a second.

Dan Linfoot looked to be returning to form as he topped the times early on, but Luke Mossey, Glenn Irwin, Josh Brookes and Tommy Bridewell all gave the Honda Racing rider a run for his money as they chopped the times down in the opening laps.

Be Wiser Ducati man Irwin was the first to break into the 1’37s as clocked a 1’37.955 before dropping it a further few tenths. Rea slotted into the top five as he, Mossey, Hickman and Bridewell were covered by just 0.071s.

With just under 15 minutes to go, Moto Rapido Ducati’s Bridewell joined Irwin in the 1’37 club, but was still 0.230s off the lead as little changed in the top five.

Moments later, however, in signature late-session-style, RAF Regular and Reserves Kawasaki rider Dixon jumped up to third with a 1’37.957.

But the surprise of the session came from Ellison with just over five minutes remaining when the Anvil Hire TAG Racing Yamaha rider, who had made the switch from K-Tech to Ohlins suspension this weekend, set a 1’37.504 to top the times.

Smith’s Racing BMW man Peter Hickman slotted in just behind just a minute later, but it was Rea who went nearly half a second quicker than Ellison, skirting the 1’36s mark to go fastest.

Mackenzie’s late 1’37.545 allowed him to split Ellison and Hickman for third spot before the pint-sized McAMS Yamaha rider pipped Ellison after the flag for second in session.

Irwin finished fifth quickest ahead of Brookes and Tyco BMW’s Michael Laverty, while Dixon, Bridewell and JG Speedfit Kawasaki’s Mossey rounded out the top 10.

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