JG Speedfit Kawasaki’s James Ellison edged ahead of title chaser, Milwaukee Yamaha’s Josh Brookes just as the chequered flag appeared, in the final timed MCE British Superbike free practice session at Brands Hatch.
A last lap dash paid off for the Cumbrian who lapped a 1’26.020, only sixth tenths off lap record pace. Brookes was setting the agenda and looked to take the spoils in FP3 after a respectable 1’26.270, but Ellison pipped him and knocked him back down to P2.
Title rival, PBM Kawasaki’s Shane Byrne was unable to lap inside the 1’27’s and was nearly one second off the time set by fellow championship challenger, Brookes with a 1’27.012.
His substitute team-mate, Danny Buchan was only 0.06s slower than Byrne and ended the morning P4, with Buildbase BMW’s Richard Cooper completing the top five, even with a hand injury.
Milwaukee Yamaha’s Jakub Smrz was sixth fastest, but ended FP3 in the gravel after taking a tumble at Surtees. Stapleford, Hopkins, Iddon and Hickman rounded off the top ten.
There were a few incidences out on track too; Moto Rapido Ducati’s John Hopkins initailly only completed one lap as smoke started to pour out of his Panigale. But the former MotoGP rider did make it out to complete the 45 minute outing to park his machine eighth quickest on the timing-screens. Honda Racing’s Dan Linfoot crashed unhurt at Hawthorns on the 30 minute mark.
